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<title>Random Environment Articles</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>A Change in Lifestyle is Required</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/a-change-in-lifestyle-is-required.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/a-change-in-lifestyle-is-required.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ most people do not think that it is necessary to make changes to their way of living to prevent major planetary upheavals. The way most people view life in relation to climate change is often that all is still well and there is no need to make  the necessary lifestyle changes. Should they have some concern about the present climate change, this is often rationalized or a good reason is found to marginalize the fact that climate change is caused by humanity itself. <br />While some may be concerned of late about the severity  of earthquakes, this is usually a temporary concern that fades away as soon as all is back to normal; there is often no foresight in relation to the consequences of climate change.<br />Although many people are not aware of it yet, climate change will soon become a real threat for most of humanity. Within the next three years the majority of humanity will have understood what the future will hold in relation to expected climate changes.<br />This prediction may not seem real, however, there will come a time soon, where most people will begin to understand, because of actual events that will begin to emerge.<br />While all of this may sound like doomsday, these climate change predictions are the result of a lack of effort and urgency by humanity to reduce its ecological footprint.<br />We all have the power to combat climate change and make the necessary changes to prevent such a future outcome.<br />Life itself is a process which humanity can steer on a different path. The course of most of life’s events is on the whole at a global level driven by humanity itself.<br />What if China had not developed as rapidly as it currently has, if the western world had not bought most of their products, but had chosen a different path? China is following the same path most western countries began many years ago, with consumerism becoming the main part of its lifestyle and well-being.<br />With the rapid growth in the production of goods and materialism in most countries, what will happen to what remains of the environment and its ecological functioning? <br />What will be the aftermath of the rapid increase in pollution for both humanity and the environment? There will then no longer be opportunities to rebuild the lost environmental structures; and this will have further consequences on all.<br />While most people expect life at present to continue as it is, as not enough climate change has happened yet, there will come a time when they will have to make lifestyle changes, as ultimately nature will run its own course.<br />The course of action humanity is taking will not be able to adequately sustain its chances of future survival, as changes in weather patterns will increase. Humanity has not yet fully understood that it needs to change its present lifestyle for the benefit of its own future survival.<br />By not making the required lifestyle changes to reduce global pollution, there will be consequences in the near future whereby much of humanity will no longer have the benefits that their current lifestyle is giving them.<br />Extract from the book New Concepts for Business and Humanity – Author Mia den Haan<br /><br />--<br />Mia has the ability to channel Truth. Her channeling ability has been recognized by many people who received personal guidance. Her latest book "New Concepts for Business and Humanity" contains information about the future of humanity. A free download of the first chapter is available from her website <a href="http://www.miadenhaan.com/Planet/Book01.html">www.miadenhaan.com</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Central Air Conditioners</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/central-air-conditioners.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/central-air-conditioners.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ So you have decided to buy central air conditioning. <br><br>Almost eighty percent of the new U.S. houses are installing central air conditioning units while construction. While it may not have been necessary to have air conditioning several decades ago, it is quite uncomfortable not to have it now. But those having existing homes do not need to worry, as the central air conditioning units can even be set up in houses that have already been constructed!<br><br>If you are looking for the best central air conditioning unit, you need to keep certain points in mind.<br>The best way and most important thing when buying central air conditioning equipment is to have it installed by a qualified contractor.<br>When one talks about saving money through efficient air conditioning systems the topic of SEER usually comes up. SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, rates the central air conditioning unit.  You can actually save quite a lot in your electricity bills if you substitute your old and ineffective air conditioner with a new SEER rated central air conditioning set up. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers are responding to the challenges of increased energy costs by offering homeowners air-conditioning units that deliver new energy efficiency standards and reduce your energy usage.<br><br>Always consult a specialist engineering company, who will specify, design and install the correct air conditioning system for your needs. There are many reputable contractors specializing in the installation of air conditioning systems for both small and large homes. Large houses usually require a centralized air conditioning system and its installation is more complicated and labor intensive. There are various kinds of air conditioning systems depending on your needs, your home size and your budget.<br><br>Choosing Your Air Conditioner And Installer<br><br>There are a number of reasons why you should go for central air conditioning. <br>It is the most effective way of heating and cooling the entire home because it can supply the conditioned air directly to the rooms whether the internal doors are open or closed. Having said that, which brand or manufacturer should you consider? Good question, but in reality it depends on your budget and your expectations. It would be recommended that you retrieve at least 3 quotes from reputable businesses (not outlets like Home Depot) which specialize in air conditioning supply and installation.<br>These companies will have ties to certain manufacturers and as a result will push a brand they will make more money from. But if you are aware beforehand which brands you are interested in you will be more assured of getting a good deal on a system you have chosen not what they want you to have.<br><br>The back yard is the most common place to find a central air conditioning unit condenser unit (outdoor section). This information is important because a house's structure, window area, sun exposure, and climate will affect your central air conditioning needs. Again this is where you need specialist guidance from experienced installers. Make sure they look all over your home checking each room you want diffusers (ceiling outlets) in and note whether they check out the ceiling space, this small check is important as seasoned quoters / installers with experience will tell you that some ceiling spaces do not accommodate the ducting very well and can cause all sorts of difficulties during installation, you do not want the installer cutting corners (so to speak) trying to fit ductwork.<br>The electrical load on your home will be increased dramatically as a central A/C system is a large electrical user, some homes cannot accommodate this requirement and therefore need to have their mains upgraded. This can significantly increase the installation cost.<br><br>Maintenance Of Your Air Conditioning System<br><br>For your home central air conditioning system to last as long as possible, proper maintenance is a must. You probably recognize - as most homeowners do - that keeping your heating and air conditioning units running well is important. We tend to take our air conditioning for granted, and wonder how we ever got along without it, but we rarely check the system until it begins to blow out hot air. <br>Proper care of your air conditioning system like scheduled cleaning will also make it more efficient for a long time.  If you have central air conditioning, it is important to keep the outside compressor compartment (condenser) as clean as possible. And of course the indoor return air filter must be kept clean also to improve the air flow throughout the home. There are not really many things the homeowner must do to keep their A/C happy other than cleaning and keeping the outdoor condenser free from debris and plant foliage.<br>If you do these you should receive many years of faithful service from your new central air conditioning system.<br /><br />--<br />You are invited to review further information about <a href="http://www.overmi.com/Air_conditioning_companies.html">central air conditioning</a> at our web site. There you will find other sources that delve much deeper into <a href="http://www.overmi.com/Air_conditioning_equipments.html">home air conditioning</a> and the things to watch out for and avoid.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Clean Coal Gasification Importance In The Power Sector</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/clean-coal-gasification-importance-in-the-power-sector.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/clean-coal-gasification-importance-in-the-power-sector.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:08:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <b>Clean coal gasification</b> is a process for converting coal partially or completely to combustible gases. After purification, these gases - carbon monoxide, carbondioxide, hydrogen, methane, and nitrogen -can be used as fuels or as raw materials for chemical or fertilizer manufacture. From the early 19thcentury until the 1940s almost all fuel gas distributed for residential or commercial use in the United States was produced by the gasification of coal or coke. In the 1940s, the growing availability of low-cost natural gas led to its substitution for gases derived from coal. Interest in clean coal gasification has been renewed, however, with recent predictions that natural gas reserves in the United States will begin to diminish by 1980.<br /><br /><b>Clean coal gasification</b> offers one of the most versatile and cleanest ways to convert coal into electricity,hydrogen, and other energy forms. The first coal gasification electric power plants are now operating commercially in the United States and in other nations, and many experts predict that coal gasification will be at the heart of the future generations of clean coal technology plants for several decades into the future.<br /><br />The capability to produce electricity, hydrogen, chemicals, or various combinations while eliminating nearly all air pollutants and potentially greenhouse gas emissions makes <b>Clean coal gasification</b> one of the most promising technologies for the energy plants of tomorrow. Linc Energy Market Analysis - Gasification of Coal & Its Importance in the Power Sector offers valuable insight into this rapidly evolving sector and analyzes the industry on a microscopic level. Linc Energy Market Analysis - Gasification of Coal & Its Importance in the Power Sector is the complete information solution to this highly beneficial technology and the overall industry.<br /><br />--<br />Ester Pereire is an accomplished Informative developer and author.<br />To Know more about <a target="_new" href="http://www.lincenergy.us/articles/53-coal-gasification"> <br />Clean Coal Gasification Importance</a>, please visit<br /><a target="_new" href="http://www.lincenergy.us/"> Clean Coal Gasification</a> for current articles and discussions.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Jinga Shoes - The Latest Shoe Craze From Brazil</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/jinga-shoes-the-latest-shoe-craze-from-brazil.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/jinga-shoes-the-latest-shoe-craze-from-brazil.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Shoe industry is about to get a wakeup call. A world wide storm named Jinga Shoes is flooding the world with rhythm, style, je ne sais quoi via its own special energy. The eye of this shoe storm was pinpointed by two ladies on a Rio Kombi then exposed to the world at http://www.jingashoes.com. <br><br>Jinga shoes, unlike your traditional shoes, brings the whole world a new attitude, brighter smiles, expanded energy and free flowing movement. Rather than devastation and destruction, you have excitement and happiness. You have the essence of life.<br><br>Move over “soul”, Jingas are the new “Wow”.<br><br>Jingas are made in Brazil on a small scale with many colour runs that are strictly limited. The Jingaholic must keep an eye out to make sure they get their favourite colour before it is sold out. The whole shoe, made of fabric and not mass produced in sweat shops, is made by hand without animal products like leather or animal based glues.<br><br>Their light and flexible form makes them the perfect shoe for everyday wear and the natural choice for all kinds of dance and sports. A noted dance instructor said, “They do not rub at the back of your Achilles tendon and they give you lots of range of movement at the ankle joint.” They were originally designed for capoeira.<br><br>Jingas are machine washable and come in all sizes from babies sizes up to Jinga size 46 (fits a UK Size 11 - 11.5). They can be worn all year round with or without socks. Unfortunately they are not good for wearing in the rain as they are not waterproof.<br><br>The Jinga Shop doesn’t just sell shoes and run away with their profits. They give a percentage of their profits (5% minimum) to funding a social project in a Rio de Janeiro favela (shantytown). This project provides activities and lessons for children outside school and helps keep them away from the criminal gangs that are a fact of life in many favelas.<br><br>Jinga is the first storm in history to put a spring in people’s step, help fund a children’s project, make dancing fun and comfortable at the same time, eliminate sweat shop manufacturing and spread across the world as an eco friendly force.<br><br>So whether you are walking the dog, cooking with friends, watching TV or doing one of a thousand and one other things, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t get your Jinga “flowing” today.<br /><br />--<br />You can find more information about <a href="htp://www.jingashoes.com" title="jinga shoes">Jinga Shoes</a> as well as visit the jinga shop at <a href="htp://www.jingashoes.com" title="jinga shoes">http://www.jingashoes.com</a>.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>An Overview Of Energy Efficiently</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/an-overview-of-energy-efficiently.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/an-overview-of-energy-efficiently.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ While we often think of energy efficiency as the way to save our environment, we also often consider it a costly endeavor. Did you realize, however, that your homes energy bill might be reduced by up to 30 percent through energy-efficiency that includes the purchase or energy efficient appliances and other products? In other words, you can save yourself money while you do your part to save the planet. <br><br>Every time you buy a new air conditioning unit, a new washer or dryer, a new refrigerator, microwave, or piece of office equipment, you are affecting the environment, either positively or negatively depending on your choices. Smart choices of products designed for energy efficiency help the air we all breathe and reduce your energy bill each month. <br><br>Here is some basic information about how energy efficiency works and why its helpful. A great deal of the energy you consume in your home is produced by local power plants that must burn fossil fuel to create the energy. These fossil fuels might be natural gas, coal or oil.<br><br>These fossil fuels also create pollution. This pollution harms not only the environment but ultimately the people, as it causes smog, acid rain and respiratory diseases. Fossil fuel pollution is also a strong factor in changing the climate of the globe.<br><br>While we hear a lot about the harmful gas emissions that emanate from vehicles, what we dont hear much about is the fact that your home probably produces twice as much of these emissions as the average automobile. <br><br>Opting for energy efficiency through your choice of products that are energy efficient is one of the best ways you can reduce your consumption of energy and thus your distribution of harmful emissions of greenhouse gas. Any household that buys equipment designed for energy efficiency puts a big dent in harmful emissions of carbon dioxide.<br><br>In fact, over the lifetime of one of these energy efficient appliances or other products you will have reduced pollution the equivalent of what would be saved by one fewer vehicle for seven years. The use of energy efficient household products reduces nitrogen oxides too, which contribute extensively to acid rain and smog. <br><br>The average U.S. household spends about 1500 each year on energy. Energy-efficiency can reduce this bill by 400-450 annually.  If youre concerned about energy efficiency and wish to not only save the environment but save yourself some money it will help to know which appliances account for what portion of your energy use and bill.<br><br>The biggest, which probably comes as no surprise, is your heat and air conditioning. This is a whopping 45 percent of your energy bill. Your water heater uses up 11 percent of your energy, and your washer and dryer 10 percent. The lighting for your home is seven percent of your energy costs, while your refrigerator is six percent of your bill. <br><br>Your dishwasher, computer, monitor, TV, VCR, DVD player and similar equipment each use up about two percent of your total energy consumption. Stoves, microwaves and other smaller appliances generally account for the rest, though at less than two percent of the total each.<br /><br />--<br />James Copper is employed by <a href=http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk>newcareerskills.co.uk</a> who help people to become a qualified <a href=http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk>energy assessor</a>.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>How to keep your cool</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/how-to-keep-your-cool.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/how-to-keep-your-cool.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ "It's a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do." <br />   — Walter Winchell<br /><br />Summers are getting hotter. And they’re going to continue to get hotter as the years and global warming progress. Hotter weather means more people buying air conditioners to try and keep comfortable. Good news for air conditioner manufacturers, bad news for the environment. More air conditioners in action simply increase carbon emissions, which increases the heat, which leads to more people buying air conditioners. Good news for air conditioner manufacturers …. You get the point. <br /><br />Air conditioner manufacturers aren’t the bad guys in this scenario, they’ve got to make a living just like everyone else. The real bad guys are those who use their air conditioners indiscriminately, without thought or consideration to anything but keeping cool. <br /><br />When people want to cool down, they want to do so immediately. The transition between hot and cool must be instant, no waiting. This means that air conditioners are often set way too low. It also happens that in the search for efficiency people buy air cons that are larger than they really need. The fact is that if you cool your space too quickly, you’ll initiate frequent on/off cycles that waste both energy and money. The air will also not be properly dehumidified, creating a stuffy, clammy atmosphere, which can lead to headaches and poor concentration. <br /><br />Bearing the above in mind, we can say that when it comes to buying an air con, size does matter, and bigger is not necessarily better. The size of the unit you buy is affected by several elements, such as the size of the space to be cooled, the sunlight it receives, as well as the number of appliances and people that occupy it. A unit the removes at least 20 BTUs (British thermal units, used to measure heat) per square foot is considered sufficient for most purposes. <br /><br />You also want to check the efficiency rating of a unit before you buy it. Air conditioners fall into two broad categories, room and central air cons. Room air cons are rated according to an energy efficiency ratio (EER), which is the amount of BTUs removed per watt of electricity used. Central air cons are rated in a similar manner, but the acronym is different – seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the ratio, the more efficient the unit so try to buy the biggest numbers that you can afford. <br /><br />One last thing that you need to consider before making your purchase is what refrigerant the unit uses. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were an industry favourite until their ozone damaging properties were discovered. Now a whole list of alternative refrigerants is available. You can see what they are on the Environmental Protection Agency website. Make sure that your unit uses one of these safer options. <br /><br />There are also things that you can do once the unit has been installed to maintain efficiency and to keep running costs low. Set it at a comfortable temperature, not too cold. Install a programmable thermostat so that the unit runs switches on and off automatically and doesn’t run for hours. Keep the filter clean and have the unit serviced regularly. Lastly, when you decide to upgrade units, make sure you hire a certified technician to remove the old one, so that he or she recovers the unused refrigerant safely. <br /><br />Summers may be getting hotter and the world may be headed toward hellish heat in the future, but there’s no reason why we should have to suffer in it. The responsible use of air conditioners can save more than money.<br /><br />Recommended sites:<br /><br />http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/preview!http:/www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/0604-saving-energy-while-staying-cool.html<br /><br />http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/22phaseout.html<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Ice Boys <a href="http://www.iceboys.co.uk"> air conditioners </a> one of the leading suppliers of air conditioners in the UK.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Can Chocolate lovers and Coffee Drinkers stop Deforestation?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/can-chocolate-lovers-and-coffee-drinkers-stop-deforestation.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/can-chocolate-lovers-and-coffee-drinkers-stop-deforestation.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:41:29 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Can Chocolate lovers and Coffee Drinkers stop Deforestation?<br />I hear arguments about Chocolate lovers and Coffee Drinkers needing to stop deforestation because it is the forests, more specifically the rainforests that produce the chocolate we eat and the Coffee that people drink.  My question is, it seems that the Chocolate making companies and the Coffee Companies would have more to lose.  Why don’t they buy up big plantations and help save the rainforests?  If the rainforests are gone, yes we lose our Chocolate and coffee and possible cancer fighting drugs but they will lose the entire company.  So, it seems we all need to do something.  I just think that the companies have bigger pockets and more weight to throw around than us little guys.  Agree?<br />Causes of Deforestation<br />Deforestation is a problem that could lead to disastrous consequences for mankind as a whole. Rapid urbanization is one of the primary causes of deforestation. As cities and towns expand, forests in their surrounding vicinity are being mercilessly cut down in order to make way for suburban townships. The forest cover in many areas is also decreasing since the land is being occupied for farming purposes in many countries. Increased global consumption is another one of the major reasons behind the decreasing forest cover. From paper to wooden furniture, one can imagine an entire host of products that owe their creation to trees and plants.<br />The Rapid Depletion of the World’s Mangrove Forests<br />Mangroves can be described as ‘rainforests by the sea’.  Large stretches of the sub-tropical and tropical coastlines of Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Americas and the Caribbean are fringed by mangroves, once estimated to cover an area of over 32 million hectares.  Now, less than 15 million hectares remain —less than half the original area.  The depletion of the world’s mangroves is due to excessive shrimp farms, tourist complexes and intense land development.  According to the latest study by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the current rate of mangrove loss is around 1% per annum—or around 150,000 ha of new mangrove area loss per year.  Now, the Mangrove Action Project (MAP) is working with other organizations in the global South towards restoring degraded and cleared mangrove areas as a high priority.  MAP is especially interested in restoring some of the 250,000 ha of abandoned shrimp farms located in former coastal wetland areas, especially in Asia and Latin America. But, even more importantly, MAP is working to help conserve and protect existing mangrove wetlands around the world.<br /><br /><br />--<br />For many years we have lived with a blind eye towards the many atrocities that are going on in this world.Please visit our site for <a href="http://blog.adreamforabetterworld.com">A Dream for Better world</a> and for <a href="http://blog.adreamforabetterworld.com/category/atrocities/crimes-against-nature/deforestation/">Deforestation</a><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>It’s only Wastewater, so why is Grit Removal Important?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/its-only-wastewater-so-why-is-grit-removal-important.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/its-only-wastewater-so-why-is-grit-removal-important.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ When it comes to wastewater in industry, removing particles is probably one of the last things that you are concerned about. After all, this water is marked for waste, it is going to be treated accordingly, so why is there a need to remove any grit that is hanging in suspension? After all, the settling process should take care of it, right?<br /><br />Actually, as we will see in this article, there are a few different reasons why your industrial wastewater treatment option needs to include grit removal among the first steps of a process to treat the water. The reasons vary from the legal to the financial to the chemical, so let’s take a look!<br /><br />The legal<br /><br />Depending on the type of industry in which you work, it might be that local, provincial, or federal laws require the removal of certain types of grit before the water is treated. Remember, not all grit is just dirt; it can include many different elements and materials that can’t be removed through the pooling process. Therefore, it may be that you are required to remove grit as a part of the treatment process.<br /><br />The financial<br /><br />Every piece of grit that remains in wastewater has the potential to cause damage to the methods by which the water is transported. This ranges from the pipe through which the water is carried right up to the filtration equipment you use in the next steps of water treatment. Solid particles forced along by water pressure, thousands of them each day, can really start to wear on many different areas of the water system. The inevitable result of this wear is increased costs to the business in terms of maintenance and replacement equipment.<br /><br />The scientific<br /><br />Remember not all grit is just dirt. In fact, no grit is just dirt, it is always made up of certain elements and ions that may be harmful not only to living processes, but also to the rest of the treatment process! Excess particles of certain natures may mean that absorption is hindered during the rest of the treatment process. Getting rid of the grit, then, will mean that the whole system functions as it should.<br /><br />When it comes to wastewater treatment, every step must be followed in order to ensure that the entire process goes as it is supposed to. Grit removal is usually one of the first steps, because if it is not done right it may compromise the effectiveness of the entire system!<br /><br />--<br />For more information on this article or <a href="http://www.BartelsEnvironmental.ca/">manure management</a>, visit BartelsEnvironmental.ca<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Biofuel Fever on Jets</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/biofuel-fever-on-jets.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/biofuel-fever-on-jets.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>Dec. 3 is the date when Air New Zealand and Boeing will make the first flight using sustainable biofuels from Auckland using a 747-400 jetliner. Conducted in partnership with Rolls-Royce and UOP, a Honeywell company, one of the airplane's four Rolls-Royce RB211 engines will be powered in part using advanced generation biofuels derived from jatropha. Air New Zealand now becomes the first airline to use a commercially viable biofuel sourced using sustainability best practices.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>Jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries. Air New Zealand announced plans to use the new fuel for 10% of its needs by 2013. Jatropha oil is significantly cheaper than crude oil</p><br /><br /><br /><p>"This flight strongly supports our efforts to be the world's most environmentally responsible airline," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe. "We recently demonstrated the fuel and environmental gains that can be achieved through advanced operational procedures using Boeing 777s. We're also modernizing our fleet as we await our Trent 1000-powered 787-9 Dreamliners, which will burn 20 percent less fuel than the planes they replace. Introducing a new generation of sustainable fuels is the next logical step in our efforts to further save fuel and reduce aircraft emissions."</p><br /><br /><br /><p>As part of the fuel verification process, UK-based engine maker Rolls-Royce's technical team conducted extensive laboratory testing to ensure compatibility with today's jet engine components and to validate the fuel meets stringent performance criteria for aviation fuel.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>"In preparation for Air New Zealand's test flight we achieved our near-term goal - identifying and sourcing the first large-scale run of sustainable biofuel for commercial aviation," said Boeing Commercial Airplane's Managing Director of Environmental Strategy Billy Glover. "The processing technology exists today, and based on results we've seen, it's highly encouraging that this fuel not only met but exceeded three key criteria for the next generation of jet fuel: higher than expected jet fuel yields, very low freeze point and good energy density," Glover explained. "That tells us we're on the right path to certification and commercial availability."</p><br /><br /><br /><p>"Laboratory testing showed the final blend had excellent properties, meeting and in many cases exceeding the stringent technical requirements for fuels used in civil and defense aircraft," said Chris Lewis, Rolls-Royce company specialist for fuels. "The blended fuel therefore meets the essential requirement of being a 'drop-in' fuel, meaning its properties will be virtually indistinguishable from conventional fuel, Jet A1, which is used in commercial aviation today."</p><br /><br /><br /><p>To process the jatropha crude, the team relied on UOP's green jet fuel processing technology based on hydroprocessing methodologies that are commonly used to produce transportation fuels. During processing, hydrogen is added to remove oxygen from the biomass, resulting in a bio-derived jet fuel that can be used as a petroleum replacement for commercial aviation.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>Air New Zealand is one of several air carriers working to diversify and secure its energy future through participation in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group. That effort includes a commitment to sustainability criteria for fuel sourcing and commercializing plant-based fuels that perform as well as, or better than, kerosene-based fuel but with a smaller carbon lifecycle. The goal is to create a portfolio of next-generation biofuels that can be blended with traditional kerosene fuel (Jet A) to improve environmental performance.</p><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>For more information on myself and other Aviation Articles visit <a href="http://www.vikingo.com.gt">www.vikingo.com.gt</a></p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Texas State Parks</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/texas-state-parks.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/texas-state-parks.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:59:25 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ It's not the Bahamas, but Texas State Parks can offer surprisingly enjoyable getaways for a fantastic price.  The Hill Country offers a bevy of beautiful state parks within a two hour drive.  Whether it's a day of picnicking and fishing or a full-fledged camping trip, there are over a dozen state parks in the Hill Country region alone.<br /><br />Less money in the vacation budget this year doesn't necessarily mean everyone is destined to spend the summer hanging out in the backyard.  Even if camping, hiking or fishing have never been activities someone has tried before, a day spent at a local state park may offer some surprisingly simple fun.<br /><br />At a little over an hour's drive, Inks Lake State Park is a great example of a fast, fun getaway.  If tent camping sounds a little too rustic, Inks Lake SP offers small air-conditioned cabins.  However, the prettiest campsites are those right along the edge of the lake, which have water but no electricity available.  Bathrooms with showers are located throughout the well-maintained park.  Basic camping equipment, like a tent, sleeping bags and cooking supplies can be bought for less than price of one airline ticket.<br /><br />If a day trip for hiking sounds a little more doable, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the perfect destination.   The park just north of Fredericksburg Texas is a popular weekend destination, so a weekday trip may offer a better opportunity to fully enjoy all this park has to offer.<br /><br />Enchanted Rock was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970, and opened as a State Park in 1986.  It is said that the huge, pink granite dome has attracted visitors to the Enchanted Rock area for 11,000 years, including the Tonkawa Indians who gave it the name Enchanted Rock for the explorers who seem to disappear into the magical rocks.  Hikers of all levels can enjoy exploring the rock face that rises 1825 feet above sea level and covers 640 acres.<br /><br />Farther destinations include Colorado Bend, Garner, Devil's Sink Hole and Kickapoo Caverns.  All of these state parks offer their own unique beauty, from prehistoric caverns to rocky terrain to peaceful lakes.  Tons of helpful information about all of the Texas State Parks can be found on the web at the state of Texas website.<br /><br />Throughout the year the state parks offer a variety of activities.  This month, for example, the closest park McKinney Fall SP is offering a day at the park for kids to ride bikes, go on nature hikes, learn about archery and study fossils.  Or adults can take a free class to learn the basics of flyfishing.<br /><br />Perhaps the Texas State Park service says it best: "Few states can match the breadth of activities offered by Texas state parks. From horseback riding and aerial tram rides to world-class fishing, mountain biking and beautiful scenery, our state parks have it all."   So go exploring this spring and discover what's right in Austin's own backyard.  It sure beats sitting around the house.<br /><br /><br />--<br />Ki caters to future buyers of Austin real estate.  He maintains a site covering Austin Texas <a href="http://www.escapesomewhere.com/">http://www.escapesomewhere.com</a> along with a searchable database of the Austin MLS <a href="http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html">http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html</a>  His site also has information on Fredericksburg Texas <a href="http://www.escapesomewhere.com/city/fredericksburgrealestate.html">http://www.escapesomewhere.com/city/fredericksburgrealestate.html</a>  He has worked in Texas real estate market for over ten years.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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