http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/going-green-simply-makes-sense-for-the-planet-and-your-money.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/going-green-simply-makes-sense-for-the-planet-and-your-money.html Thu, 21 May 2009 19:34:54 -0500
It actually does make economic sense to go green as much as feasible. You in all probability already do it to some extent, like when you purchased your last car, you chose one that gets much better gas mileage than the old gas guzzler you had before, correct? And doing so had a positive impact on your billfold as the cost of gas rises to a much greater level than it was only a couple years ago.

Maybe you have thought of solar panels? If you live in a geography that receives a large amount of sunshine over the majority of the year, you can recoup the cost of solar panels in a very short period of time. Solar panels can help to heat hot water and heat the water used in your dishwasher or washing machine. Why pay for the cost of electricity or natural gas to heat the water in your hot water heater when that can be done so much more inexpensively by using solar power?

You might have traveled across parts of Texas, Michigan, Ohio, and other locations in the United States where there are hundreds of these huge windmills spread across the landscape. These are generating wind power to create electricity, and it is proving to be a boon for people who have invested the funds to install them. As a matter of fact, there is at least one team in Michigan with numerous of these power-generating windmills on their property who are actually feeding more power back into the power grid than they utilize every month, and have had numerous months where they in reality get a negative electric bill!

Think and start to consider all the various ways you can "go green". Do not do it merely to pacify your conscience because it seems like the right thing to do. It clearly is the proper thing to do, and there will be a quick return on your investment that will also make your wallet happy.




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For more insights and additional information about Going Green as well as finding numerous tips for ways to go green in various areas of your home and business, please visit our web site at http://going-green-to-save.com


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/conservation-of-the-forests-on-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/conservation-of-the-forests-on-kilimanjaro.html Mon, 04 May 2009 09:38:31 -0500
Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, recently said the following: 'Wanton destruction of trees in mountains has completely ruined our environment. It is now necessary to ban destruction of forests to save the environment…'

Charcoal burning and logging have been banned from Kilimanjaro's slopes, however it may be a case of too little too late. Recently the local environment has been noticeably drying out. Kilimanjaro has always had a high population density but this has increased since the colonial era and the level of clear felling for agricultural purposes has risen correspondingly.

The rich forests of Kilimanjaro cover the flanks of the mountain, trapping moisture which is then released slowly. The forest comprises of a belt that is in some places less than a kilometer thick. When Hans Meyer first climbed Kilimanjaro he found an immense forest, skirting the mountain to the floor of the savannah. The forest was graded in saturation and density with altitude. It was most concentrated between 1,300m to 3,300m.

Conservation is usually left to volunteer organisations and NGOs, that, guided and administered by a handful of professional conservationists. The general plan of these organisations is an attempt to enlighten the local people to the fact that they are sowing the seeds of their own demise. The constant land clearing for agriculture is wholly counter-productive, since it is merely creating the conditions where agriculture will become futile. Flash flooding can now occur arround Kilimanjaro, often followed by massive gully erosion and landslides. This is already visibly affecting the landscape.


For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/endemic-plants-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/endemic-plants-of-kilimanjaro.html Mon, 04 May 2009 08:38:43 -0500
Kilimanjaro has a large variety of forest types graduated over a range of 3000 m. These areas contain over 1200 vascular plant species. Montane Ocotea forests are found on the damp southern slopes, whereas Cassipourea and Juniperus forests grow on the drier northern slopes.

Subalpine Erica forests at 4100 m are the the highest elevation cloud forests in East Africa. Despite the high biodiversity, the degree of endemism is low. This is possibly as a result of serious habitat depletion prior to complete survey work or the young age of the Mountain.

Remnant forest patches in the deepest valleys of the cultivated lower areas suggest that a diverse forest flora inhabited Mt Kilimanjaro in the recent past. This includes limited range species otherwise only found in the Eastern Arc mountains.

This low amount of endemism on the mountain may be a consequence of the destruction of the lower altitude forest as opposed to the relatively young age of the mountain.

Another unique characteristic of the forests on Mt Kilimanjaro is the lack of a bamboo belt, which occurs on all other comparable mountains in East Africa with a similarly high rainfall. This is possibly linked to the actions of large herbivores such as elephants and buffaloes. The Sinarundinaria stands are often favoured by elephants and buffaloes and these herbivores are found on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. On the Northern slopes it is far too dry for a large bamboo zone to develop. The larger animals are denied access to the wet southern slope forests by steep topography and the presence of humans. The local tribes have farmed the lower slopes and foothills for at least 2000 years.

This complex relationship betwen the biotic and abiotic factors could explain both the lack of a bamboo zone on Kilimanjaro and potentially explains for the patterns of both diversity and endemism found on the mountain. The forest of Kilimanjaro can are a superb example of the significant influence of both animals and humans on the landscape.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-geology-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-geology-of-kilimanjaro.html Mon, 04 May 2009 06:16:08 -0500
On the Marangu Route you will more than likely come across a number of small cone shaped hills. These are known as 'parasitic cones' and are quite simply formations that are the product of offshoots of the main lava flow. In the event that you elect to do the optional Saddle Walk, you will pass a cliff face that appears to be stained with black and white stripes. Entitled Zebra Rock, this unusually patterned formation is the result of mineral rich rain water flowing down from the rocks above and streaking the almost black lava cliff white in places.

The formations on Kilimanjaro are not limited to volcanic rock alone, but also include incredibly impressive glacial configurations. While the sheets of ice on the mountain reflect the sun's rays from above, typical Weather Patterns on the mountain ensure the heat from the ground melts the ice from below, resulting in the formation of intricate undercuts and overhangs.

Thousands of years ago, whole sheets of ice covered the mountain all the way down to almost 3000 feet. Today they can be seen only near the peak, and scientist predict that sadly within the next 15 years the snow cap may just disappear completely, confining the sight of the Great White Mountain to the pages of literature and the memories of those lucky enough to see it in it's glory.

Shira and Mawenzi were two other areas of volcanic activity. Both became inactive before Kibo. The Shira volcanic cone collapsed leaving the Shira Ridge as part of its Caldera Rim. Mawenzi has been heavily eroded to leave a mass of steep-sided ridges and summits, particularly dramatic on the infrequently-seen eastern side.

Kibo is the best preserved centre; it has three concentric craters and the outer crater rim rises to Uhuru Point - the chief summit. The middle, Reusch crater contains the main fumaroles and in its centre the 130m deep and 400m wide Ash Pit. The outer crater has been breached by lava flows in several places, the most dramatic of these being the Western Breach.

The ash and lava covered slopes of Kibo are mainly gentle-angled from the steep, glaciated precipices which defend its southern and south-western flanks. The impressive rock walls on Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi are generally composed of lavas and ashes.

Deep gorges (barrancos) have been carved into the soft rocks and ashes of Kilimanjaro. The most impressive of these is the Great Barranco below the Western Breach and the two Barrancos on the east side of Mawenzi.

Numerous parasitic cones extend east-west across Kilimanjaro; some are located near the Mandara Hut (Maundi Crater offers a fine view point), while others lie just north of the Shira Route.

At one stage most of the summit of Kilimanjaro was covered by an ice cap, probably more than 100 metres deep. Glaciers extended well down the mountain forming moraine ridges, clearly visible now on the southern flanks down to about 4000m. At present only a small fraction of the glacial cover remains.

The remnants of the ice cap can be seen as the spectacular ice cliffs of the Northern and Eastern Icefields, and the longest glaciers are found on the precipitous southern and south-western flanks. If the present rate of recession continues the majority of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro could vanish altogether in the next 50 years.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris


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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-vulcanology-of-kilimanjaro.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-vulcanology-of-kilimanjaro.html Sun, 03 May 2009 02:18:07 -0500 Location - Tanzania, 3.07°S / 37.35°E
Summit elevation 5895 m
Last eruptions - None in historic time (but probably active during the past 10,000 years)
Typical eruption style - Explosive.

Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano reaching an elevation of 5,895m.This volcano's highest and youngest cone is named Kibo. Shira to the west and Mawenzi in the east are older cones that make up Kilimanjaro. Kibo has not been active in modern times, but steam and sulfur are still emitted. At the top of Kibo's summit is a 2.25 km diameter crater.

Kilimanjaro is part of an E-W belt of about 20 volcanoes near the southern end of the East African Rift Valley. Also in this belt are Ngorongoro caldera - a superb wildlife refuge, Ol Donyo Lengi - a carbonitite volcano, and Meru.

Kilimanjaro is a triple volcano with the youngest and central peak of Kibo being 7.5-8.7 miles (12-14 km) from Shira to the west and Mawenza to the east.

Shira is topped by a broad plateau, perhaps a filled caldera, and erosion has cut the rim a lot. In contrast, Mawenzi's summit is a rocky peak surrounded by cliffs .0.5 km) to 1.5 km high. Erosion has removed the original crater, and a great horseshoe shaped ridge opens to the northeast. Mile-deep gullies with 30-45 degree gradients make many places practically inaccessible. Massive series of radial and concentric dyke swarm make up more than 30-40 percent of the summit area of Mawenzi.

Kibo's glacier-clad summit, the highest spot in Africa, is a 1.2 x 1.7 mile (1.9 x 2.7 km) caldera, with an inner crater nearly a mile (1.3 km) wide, and inside that a deep, 1,148 ft. (350 m) wide central pit. Original volcanic forms are preserved at the summit and on many of the flanks, except on the south side where glaciers have cut deeply into the cone. Nearly 250 satellite cones occur on Kilimanjaro, most following SE and NW trends.

Estimates tell us that of a total volume of about 1,150 cu. miles, Mawenzi and Shira each contribute roughly 120 cu. mi. of andesites and basalts, Kibo has the same volume of similar but unexposed rocks, plus an additional 107 cu. miles. Interestingly, more than half of Kilimanjaro's volume is represented by older, basal basalts (672 cu. mi.). This basaltic shield is the most important, but least obvious element of a complex volcano..

The older cone of Shira forms the broad WNW shoulder of Kilimanjaro, and Mawenzi forms a prominent, sharp-topped peak on the ESE flank. Numerous satellite cones occupy a rift zone to the NW and SE of Kibo, the central stratovolcano. A 2.4 x 3.6 km caldera gives the summit of Kibo an elongated, broad profile. Most of Kilimanjaro was made during the Pleistocene, but a group of summit craters are from the Holocene.

For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Tanzania's mountains click Climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Kingdom Safaris

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Roy J Hinde M.Sc. is a former research scientist who now is a director of Wild Things Safaris Ltd and runs the marketing for MK safaris Climb Kilimanjaro.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/why-australia-is-britons-favourite-relocation_1.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/why-australia-is-britons-favourite-relocation_1.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:01:34 -0500
Despite this, it is a great many people's dream to live abroad. The temptation of moving to warmer and more predictable climates is a strong incentive to the weather worn Brit, desperate to escape from the rat race culture and office work ethic that is defining our country. Holiday programmes like 'wish you were here' have gradually been replaced by documentary style moving house programmes that reflect the growing trend of young families looking to take flight, start a new life and 'Escape to the Sun'. One of the most popular destinations of choice is Australia. Australia is about as far away as you can get, yet the paradox of being in such a different climate without having to adapt to a new language or drastically different culture is a huge incentive. To Brits, Australia looks like a warmer Britain but cleaner, with more barbeques and bigger spiders.

Modest families on a middle class wage can afford much more house with their money in Australia and also look forward to lower heating bills thanks to the warm, dry climate. For families that wish to reduce carbon footprints it's an even more attractive proposal. Saving carbon in England conjures up connotations of living in round limestone blocks with a grass roof and composting toilets rather than solar water heating for your swimming pool. Aside from the flight over you can feel smug about the fact you will be using far less energy. Even things like hanging up the washing to dry outside rather than sticking it in the tumble dryer because you're worried about damp can be liberating. Just watch out for parrot poo and lurking eight legged creatures before you take down your outdoor fresh bed sheets.

With as much variation as you would find in an entire continent, Australia is a mixture of ancient culture and new venture. The box fresh feel of cities like Sydney merged with a varied and hostile landscape once solely inhabited by the Aborigine people is a fascinating sight.

According to website shelteroffshore.com The Real Estate Institute of Australia have published statistics showing that British buyers have bought over £1.2 billion worth of property in Australia last year with a 300% increase in Britons moving to the country in the last five years. I think it's safe to assume most (if not all) of these properties were bought to live in rather than holiday in as it's rather a long and expensive way to go for a holiday a couple of times a year. The economic situation may encourage more people to move away to a warmer life down under, trading seals for great white sharks and great big heating bills for barbecued shrimps.


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Sarah Maple writes about energy management and green loans

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/will-coal-fired-power-stations-back-fire-on-gordon-brown.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/will-coal-fired-power-stations-back-fire-on-gordon-brown.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:41:46 -0500
It's a controversial move that is guaranteed to anger environmental campaigners and climate change scientists as burning coal produces more CO2 for each unit of energy generated than any other type of fuel. The argument is that as old plants are shutting down, Britain needs the new coal power stations to prevent future power shortages. Brown is also insisting that any new plants built will be fitted with a new technology that will capture CO2 and store it underground, however this technology has never been tested on an active power station before, thus can not be proven.

It seems ironic that this long after the closure of Britain's coal-mines we are now taking a U-turn. Coal-fired power plants are not the only way of generating energy but are the most attractive option when it comes to price and availability. Britain has enough coal resources to provide us with energy for hundreds of years to come, however climate scientists may argue that the human race won't be around for that long if countries continue to pump an increased amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. It will be interesting to see how the government tackle the delicate balancing of a need for affordable energy and a need to protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

A spokesperson for the energy and climate change department run by David Miliband released a statement saying, "we see new coal generation as having a potentially important role to play in securing Britain's electricity supply, but we also recognise the need to deal with CO2 emissions".

New technology from Australia, pioneered by White Energy is also a factor in the desirability of coal-power stations. This technology allows low grade coal collected through open cast reserves to be upgraded to a better quality through a unique drying process.

Protecting the new power stations from angry protesters may also become an issue. The Greenpeace website reported that Greenpeace activists in Australia managed to blockade Australia's most polluting coal-fired power station to call for an Energy Revolution. Entering the plant in the early hours of the morning, 16 activists were able to lock themselves to the conveyors that distribute the coal. Similar scenes could be expected in England if the government is not seen fitting CO2 reducing technology as soon as Gordon Brown promised.

You can cut your own energy bills and reduce carbon footprints by introducing energy saving fixtures into your homes. If fitting solar panels is too expensive, anything as small as an energy saving bulb will help make a difference to your energy consumption.


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Sarah Maple writes about energy management and green loans.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/benefits-of-solar-power-for-your-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/benefits-of-solar-power-for-your-home.html Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:58:31 -0500
Here are a few of the more popular benefits of solar power for your home:

1. As noted above, you can lower the cost of your bills. Who doesn’t want to save money every month?

2. Reduce pollution and the negative impact on the environment. This may be the number one reason to turn to solar power to energize your home. Do your part in taking care of the planet, and you will feel good about yourself.

3. Depending on where you live, you may qualify for a rebate from the government. This is definitely something to check out before you decide to move forward with solar power.

4. You can add a lot of value to your property. Solar power may not be common right now, but this is sure to change as the years go by. Why not get ahead of the game and increase the value of your home?

If you are interested in installing a solar power system in your home you should follow your heart. As you can see from the benefits above, there are many good reasons to move ahead. Be the first in your neighborhood to run your home on solar power.

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Conergy is a global leader in solar power, solar hot water and wind power generation.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-future-of-energy-could-be-blowing-in-the-wind.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/the-future-of-energy-could-be-blowing-in-the-wind.html Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:31:38 -0500
According to Sadler in a recent Austin-American Statesman commentary, wind makes up 8 percent of our energy capacity. "But because of a lack of transmission lines, wind supplies only 4 percent of our power." Sadler believes Texas is at a crucial crossroad right now when it comes to wind energy. Texas has ample wind resources, as well as lawmakers willing to craft new energy policies in regard to harvesting the potential of wind energy. Combine all this with the Obama administration's stimulus package with money designated for green technologies, and the road seems paved for the future of wind energy.

Sadler is concerned that Texas lawmakers won't move quickly enough or be as aggressive about wind energy storage as they should be. "When you consider the day is coming when we will be able to store wind-generated electricity, and even further down the road the day is coming when we will run out of fossil fuels, the wise course is to craft energy policies that reflect tomorrow's energy realities."

Even if Texas lawmakers aren't ready to face that reality, Washington may be. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, said in a recent hearing about meeting America's energy needs that wind-generated energy could someday replace coal-fired power plants. According to the Associated Press, Salazar told the Atlantic City audience, "The idea that wind energy has the potential to replace most of our coal-burning power today is a very real possibility."

Coal currently provides about half of America's electricity and representatives from the coal industry sounded less than impressed with Salazar's view of the future. Salazar said that ocean winds along the East Coast could generate five times the power of coal plants currently operating in the United States. The American Coal Council felt that claim was "a stretch."

Even advocates of wind energy concur that it would take hundreds of thousands of wind turbines to generate that much power. These turbines pose problems because they are considered unsightly by some and potentially dangerous to wildlife by others.

However, Salazar will host three other gatherings across the country to discuss the future of America's energy resources, highlighting solar, wind, waves, oil and gas. The Atlantic City Convention Center was chosen for the first venue because it boasts the nation's largest solar-paneled roof.

As for the future of wind energy, Texas will be the likely proving ground. Construction is set to start this summer on a wind farm off the coast of Galveston. According to the office of the Land Commissioner, Wind Energy Systems Technologies is expected to complete the 150-megawatt-per-year project in 2010. Salazar, Sadler and others will be watching this project carefully to see just how strong this wind of change can blow.

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Ki graduated from the University of Texas, and now works as a realtor in the Austin Texas real estate market. He maintains a website, which has a searchable database drawing from Austin MLS and keeps a blog with monthly statistics on Austin real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/five-ways-to-slash-energy-bills-and-helpthe-environment.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/five-ways-to-slash-energy-bills-and-helpthe-environment.html Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:05:07 -0500
Change your light bulbs: Getting rid of standard incandescent bulbs and replacing them with Energy Start qualified CFL light bulbs is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption by lights by approximately 75%. In addition, the bulbs last about 10 times longer than standard light bulbs and can save about $30 or more over the course of the bulb's lifetime. Switching to CFL light bulbs yields excellent savings with minimal investment beyond the standard pricing of light bulbs.
Check your ducts: Regardless of the age of your home, chances are your duct work could use an examination of its sealing. This is especially true for duct work in attics. If you duct work is leaking, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars in lost heating and cooling in your home. If you have ducts that need to be sealed, obtain a referral from an auditor affiliated with NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or certified with the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). Using either of these associations will give you the quality craftsmanship and service that is needed for this type of work and will make your investment into this upgrade worth it.

Unplug your appliances: There are several appliances in your home that have a tendency to suck energy even when not in use or powered up. These appliances include televisions, DVD players, digital video recorders (DVRs), printers, fax machines and computers. The best way to go about managing these appliances is to use a power strip. Whenever possible, plug all appliances in an area into the power strip. When you leave the home for the day, simply unplug the power strip, which in turn unplugs all the appliances. This prevents you from having to go around and individually unplug each appliance.

Upgrade your refrigerator: Refrigerators can be very taxing on energy. Upgrading to an Energy Star model requires about half as much energy as standard models, particularly those manufactured prior to 1993. In addition, shop for a refrigerator model that uses a top freezer as opposed to a side by side freezer, which uses about 10 to 15 percent more energy. In addition, a good way to conserve on energy is to avoid features such as through the door ice and water dispensers.


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Ki graduated from college in Austin, and couldn't leave. He created a website to provide information on the Austin real estate market to future buyers. His site also allows visitors to search the Austin MLS along with providing information on mortgage interest rates.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>