A radical new idea may revolutionise our understanding of one of the most vital forces on Earth Jonathan Leake
Earth's magnetic field, long thought to be generated by molten metals swirling around its core, may instead be produced by ocean currents, according to controversial new research published this week.
It suggests that the movements of such volumes of salt water around the world have been seriously underestimated by scientists as a source of magnetism.
If proven, the research would revolutionise geophysics, the study of the Earth’s physical properties and behaviour, in which the idea that magnetism originates in a molten core is a central tenet.
Earth’s magnetic field is vital for life, extending tens of thousands of miles into space and protecting the planet against radiation that would otherwise burn away the atmosphere and oceans.
However, its origin was a mystery until early last century when Albert Einstein said understanding the phenomenon was one of science’s most important tasks. This provoked a debate which concluded with scientists agreeing that magnetism must originate in the Earth’s core.
“Everyone accepted this, but in reality there has never been any proof,” said Gregory Ryskin, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern University in Illinois. “It is just an idea we have accepted for a long time without questioning it enough.”
His research suggests that Earth’s magnetism is actually linked to ocean movements. The salt in seawater allows it to conduct electricity, meaning it generates electrical and magnetic fields as it moves.
The findings, published by Britain’s Institute of Physics’s New Journal of Physics, will cause a fierce scientific debate.
Existing theories explain Earth’s magnetism by suggesting that the centre of the planet comprises a white-hot solid iron ball about 1,500 miles in diameter, surrounded by an outer shell of liquid metal a further 1,400 miles thick.
As the liquid iron in that shell is heated by the inner core it becomes less dense and rises upwards, to be replaced by cooler material from above.
The resulting swirls of molten metal create electric currents that in turn produce the planet’s magnetic field, the conventional theory suggests.
The big problem with this idea is that it is almost impossible to obtain experimental evidence because the Earth’s core is so inaccessible. Indirect approaches, such as computer modelling, have thrown up many inconsistencies.
Ryskin approached the problem differently, by looking at the way Earth’s magnetic field undergoes constant changes, growing stronger in some regions and weaker in others. This phenomenon, known as variation, also sees gradual shifts in the locations of the north and south magnetic poles.
Scientists have always linked variation with turbulence in the outer core, but Ryskin suggests it actually correlates with changes in ocean circulation. In the north Atlantic, for example, changes in the strength of currents were matched by sharp changes in magnetic fields.
One idea is that changes in ocean circulation may explain the curious reversals shown by Earth’s magnetic field, in which the north and south magnetic poles suddenly flip over. This last happened 780,000 years ago.
This could also be linked to tectonic plate movements that have shifted the world’s land masses around the globe, forcing ocean currents to adopt entirely new routes.
If Ryskin is right, then climate change, predicted to alter the strength and course of ocean currents, could also alter the planet's magnetic field.
Ryskin emphasises that such suggestions need much more research, but some other physicists have been quick to recognise its implications. Raymond Shaw, professor of atmospheric physics at Michigan Technological University, said it could make “the ruling paradigm of geophysics irrelevant”.
Others are sceptical. Andrew Jackson, professor of geophysics at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich, Switzerland, and an expert in planetary magnetism, said the magnetic fields generated by moving seawater would be thousands of times smaller than what is observed. “I think the calculations are wrong,” he said.
Kathy Whaler, professor of geophysics at Edinburgh University, would not comment directly on Ryskin’s work as she had not read it.
However, she said the idea that the Earth’s molten core produced its magnetic field was “well founded”. She said: “We know from seismology what the Earth’s structure is, and that it is likely to contain molten iron at high temperatures flowing around a solid core.”
Sunday, September 6, 2009
How to Go Green: Gadgets
Technology has become an essential part of daily life, from cell phones to televisions, music players to laptops. Electronics, though, have a significant impact on the environment. But don't despair. There are countless ways to green up your gadgetry—or even use your gadgets for environmental causes—and we have information tips, guides, fix-it solutions and facts all in one place to help you go green with your technology.
Gadgets: The green impacts
Getting greener gadgets
You might be thinking that your favorite electronics are becoming a headache. But don't despair! We can definitely enjoy all our fun devices while still helping to lighten their footprint. Doing simple things like charging properly, checking out Energy Star and Consumer Reports for input before purchasing, taking advantage of free recycling programs, or even making some money off our old devices are all ways we can seamlessly shift to eco-friendly gadget use. You don't have to ditch your well-loved cell phone or favorite game player to still go green.
In this guide, we'll talk about easy things you can do to green up your gadgetry, some of the seriously cool science behind advancements in better gadgets, and ways to get more involved in cleaning up all those devices we use on a daily bases and often don't even think twice about.
Top Green Gadgets Tips
1. Check out what the gadget experts say before buying.
Take a look at Energy Star ratings, EPEAT ratings, Consumer Reports, and other expert sources to help you make comparisons among gadgets before purchasing. This will help you find the most energy efficient and eco-friendly items available to you.
2. Buy used gadgets.
Buying a pre-owned electronic accomplishes two excellent goals. First, you help to extend the lifetime of the gadget, lowering its carbon footprint, and secondly, you save money. With the rate at which manufacturers churn out new gadgets, buying barely used gadgets in great shape is an easy task and usually is much less expensive, even for the latest gear. There are great buyback companies such as TechForward that sell refurbished electronics, and places like Craigslist and eBay are also good places to look. Of course, the manufacturers usually offer refurbished gear at reduced prices as well. You might even find what you're seeking free of charge on networks like Freecycle.
3. Buy recycled and recyclable gadgets.
Check out what materials are used in the product and go for gadgets that use low impact materials that are recycled or sustainably obtained. It is tough, so far, to find new gadgets made of recycled materials, but not impossible. If it lacks that element, ensure that it is recyclable. If you want to go a step further, write to the company that makes the product you're after and let them know you're only interested in purchasing if they make greener choices in their production.
4. Charge your gadgets with renewable energy.
Nope, you don't have to invest in solar panels on your house, or a wind turbine in your yard. There are small, personal charging devices that use solar or wind to power your gadgets. Check out the Hymini wind turbine that can charge your cell phone or MP3 player just by sticking it out the window or taking it with you on a bike ride. There are also a wide range of small portable solar chargers that can charge up your gear in no time while you relax in the sun. Note: Most everything today is rechargeable. But just in case you're checking out something that isn't, be sure to go with rechargeable batteries, and ditch the alkaline. Go with Lithium Ion.
5. Zap vampire power.
For true gadget lovers, this may be the most fun tip because you get to green your gadgets with more gadgets. Vampire power is the energy used by devices when they're plugged in but not turned on. Prevent wasted energy first by unplugging any devices not in use or that are fully charged. Then, try using devices like smart power strips that cut the power supply to devices that no longer need it.
6. Make full use of a gadget's features.
This helps not only extend the usefulness of a gadget and make it fully worth the money you put down for it, but it also cuts down on the number of gadgets you feel you need or want in your life. Additionally, it cuts down on how many things you need to continually charge up. For instance, most cell phones can now act as alarm clocks, calculators, PDAs, cameras and music players. There's five gadgets no longer needed by making full use of your cell phone.
7. Use the gadgets you have for as long as you can.
While some technology changes so quickly that this might not be possible, for the majority of gadgets, you can get a whole lot of years of loyal use out of them before it is time to upgrade. This is especially true with cell phones, handheld gaming devices, PDAs and similar gadgets. While it is tempting to get a new phone when you renew your contract, or a new laptop when the faster, smaller version hits stores, ask yourself if you really need it and weigh your options before replacing your gear.
8. Use old gadgets as money makers.
Buyback programs aren't only great places to look for new gadgets, they're also a perfect place for getting rid of your old items if you've decided to upgrade to newer versions. Buyback programs buy your old gear, refurbish it and resell it. It keeps gadgets in the loop much longer, and puts a little green in your pocket and your heart.
9. Recycle gadgets when they've kicked the bucket.
If you have a device that has reached the end of its useful life, you definitely don't want to toss it. Avoid hazardous e-waste by utilizing one of the growing number of free recycling programs. Many manufacturers like Toshiba will take back old gear for free, helping to make disposal easy on you and the earth. Check out local electronics stores, or check online for free recycling programs in your area.
10. Offset your gadgets' carbon footprint.
Even if you implement all the tips above, it's likely your gadget will still make a carbon footprint. You can offset this by purchasing carbon offsets online. Your money goes directly towards programs that reduce carbon emissions. Some manufacturers make is super easy by allowing customers to purchase carbon offsets when they buy their new device.
Gadgets: The green impacts
Individually, gadgets don't typically take up a lot of energy. However, take a moment to count how many gadgets you use. Gameboys and Play Stations, cell phones and Palm Pilots, alarm clocks and digital cameras. When we start to add up how many things we use on a regular basis, recharge by plugging in to the wall or popping in new batteries, or toss into the trash when they break, and then add on to that the number of people who all have more gadgets than meets the eye, then we realize that they really make an impact.
Gadgets: Life cycle impacts
Getting greener gadgets
You might be thinking that your favorite electronics are becoming a headache. But don't despair! We can definitely enjoy all our fun devices while still helping to lighten their footprint. Doing simple things like charging properly, checking out Energy Star and Consumer Reports for input before purchasing, taking advantage of free recycling programs, or even making some money off our old devices are all ways we can seamlessly shift to eco-friendly gadget use. You don't have to ditch your well-loved cell phone or favorite game player to still go green.
In this guide, we'll talk about easy things you can do to green up your gadgetry, some of the seriously cool science behind advancements in better gadgets, and ways to get more involved in cleaning up all those devices we use on a daily bases and often don't even think twice about.
Top Green Gadgets Tips
1. Check out what the gadget experts say before buying.
Take a look at Energy Star ratings, EPEAT ratings, Consumer Reports, and other expert sources to help you make comparisons among gadgets before purchasing. This will help you find the most energy efficient and eco-friendly items available to you.
2. Buy used gadgets.
Buying a pre-owned electronic accomplishes two excellent goals. First, you help to extend the lifetime of the gadget, lowering its carbon footprint, and secondly, you save money. With the rate at which manufacturers churn out new gadgets, buying barely used gadgets in great shape is an easy task and usually is much less expensive, even for the latest gear. There are great buyback companies such as TechForward that sell refurbished electronics, and places like Craigslist and eBay are also good places to look. Of course, the manufacturers usually offer refurbished gear at reduced prices as well. You might even find what you're seeking free of charge on networks like Freecycle.
3. Buy recycled and recyclable gadgets.
Check out what materials are used in the product and go for gadgets that use low impact materials that are recycled or sustainably obtained. It is tough, so far, to find new gadgets made of recycled materials, but not impossible. If it lacks that element, ensure that it is recyclable. If you want to go a step further, write to the company that makes the product you're after and let them know you're only interested in purchasing if they make greener choices in their production.
4. Charge your gadgets with renewable energy.
Nope, you don't have to invest in solar panels on your house, or a wind turbine in your yard. There are small, personal charging devices that use solar or wind to power your gadgets. Check out the Hymini wind turbine that can charge your cell phone or MP3 player just by sticking it out the window or taking it with you on a bike ride. There are also a wide range of small portable solar chargers that can charge up your gear in no time while you relax in the sun. Note: Most everything today is rechargeable. But just in case you're checking out something that isn't, be sure to go with rechargeable batteries, and ditch the alkaline. Go with Lithium Ion.
5. Zap vampire power.
For true gadget lovers, this may be the most fun tip because you get to green your gadgets with more gadgets. Vampire power is the energy used by devices when they're plugged in but not turned on. Prevent wasted energy first by unplugging any devices not in use or that are fully charged. Then, try using devices like smart power strips that cut the power supply to devices that no longer need it.
6. Make full use of a gadget's features.
This helps not only extend the usefulness of a gadget and make it fully worth the money you put down for it, but it also cuts down on the number of gadgets you feel you need or want in your life. Additionally, it cuts down on how many things you need to continually charge up. For instance, most cell phones can now act as alarm clocks, calculators, PDAs, cameras and music players. There's five gadgets no longer needed by making full use of your cell phone.
7. Use the gadgets you have for as long as you can.
While some technology changes so quickly that this might not be possible, for the majority of gadgets, you can get a whole lot of years of loyal use out of them before it is time to upgrade. This is especially true with cell phones, handheld gaming devices, PDAs and similar gadgets. While it is tempting to get a new phone when you renew your contract, or a new laptop when the faster, smaller version hits stores, ask yourself if you really need it and weigh your options before replacing your gear.
8. Use old gadgets as money makers.
Buyback programs aren't only great places to look for new gadgets, they're also a perfect place for getting rid of your old items if you've decided to upgrade to newer versions. Buyback programs buy your old gear, refurbish it and resell it. It keeps gadgets in the loop much longer, and puts a little green in your pocket and your heart.
9. Recycle gadgets when they've kicked the bucket.
If you have a device that has reached the end of its useful life, you definitely don't want to toss it. Avoid hazardous e-waste by utilizing one of the growing number of free recycling programs. Many manufacturers like Toshiba will take back old gear for free, helping to make disposal easy on you and the earth. Check out local electronics stores, or check online for free recycling programs in your area.
10. Offset your gadgets' carbon footprint.
Even if you implement all the tips above, it's likely your gadget will still make a carbon footprint. You can offset this by purchasing carbon offsets online. Your money goes directly towards programs that reduce carbon emissions. Some manufacturers make is super easy by allowing customers to purchase carbon offsets when they buy their new device.
Global Warming - What does it mean?
For those people who still cling to the hope that global warming is some liberal stunt and science has yet to prove that man has induced climate change, we have this news to share:
The world's coral reefs are in danger of dying in the next 20 years unless the world drastically cuts carbon emissions. The coral reefs are a a major part of the planets delicate eco-system, without, much ocean life will not survive.
FOR EVERY HUMAN, ANIMAL AND PLANT ON EARTH, A HEALTHY OCEAN IS A MUST!! Our oceans make up 99% of the living space on earth and contains about 320,000,000 cubic miles of sea water. Over 70% of our globe is covered by water. Ninety-seven percent of all water on earth is in our oceans.
If world leaders do not immediately engage in a race against time to save the Earth's coral reefs, these vital ecosystems will not survive the global warming and acidification predicted for later this century.
We must do all that is necessary to protect the key components of the life of our planet as the consequences of decisions made now will likely be forever as far as humanity is concerned.
The kitchen is on fire and it's spreading round the house. If we act quickly and decisively we may be able to put it out before the damage becomes irreversible.
Ice melt from a warming Arctic has two major effects on the ocean. First, increased water contributes to global sea-level rise, which in turn affects coastlines across the globe. Second, fresh water from melting ice changes the salinity of the world’s oceans, which can affect ocean ecosystems and deep water mixing.
Increasing sea level rise will be a problem in the future for people living in coastal regions around the globe.
Arctic sea ice reflects sunlight, keeping the polar regions cool and moderating global climate. According to scientific measurements, Arctic sea ice has declined dramatically over at least the past thirty years, with the most extreme decline seen in the summer melt season. The Greenland ice sheet is melting faster than expected, according to a new study led by a University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher.
Arctic ice continued its decline, with hardy, thicker old ice increasingly being replaced with quick-to-melt, thinner young ice.
This winter's maximum Arctic sea ice extent was 5.85 million square miles (15,150,000 square kilometers)—about 278,000 square miles (720,000 square kilometers) less than the Arctic average between 1979 and 2000.
"That's a loss about the size of the state of Texas," said Walter Meier of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado.
And speaking of Texas, isn't that the home state of the guy whose followers still pretend that global warming is a liberal figment?
Apparently there are different types of arctic ice, and older ice is more resilient than younger ice. Guess which is melting faster: older ice.
Ice a year or more old—thicker, hardier, and less prone to melting than younger ice—was at an all-time low at the end of this past winter, the new report says.
Ice older than two years once accounted for some 30 to 40 percent of the Arctic's wintertime cover and made up 25 percent as recently as 2007.
But last year it represented only 14 percent of the maximum. This year the figure fell to 10 percent.
The world's coral reefs are in danger of dying in the next 20 years unless the world drastically cuts carbon emissions. The coral reefs are a a major part of the planets delicate eco-system, without, much ocean life will not survive.
FOR EVERY HUMAN, ANIMAL AND PLANT ON EARTH, A HEALTHY OCEAN IS A MUST!! Our oceans make up 99% of the living space on earth and contains about 320,000,000 cubic miles of sea water. Over 70% of our globe is covered by water. Ninety-seven percent of all water on earth is in our oceans.
If world leaders do not immediately engage in a race against time to save the Earth's coral reefs, these vital ecosystems will not survive the global warming and acidification predicted for later this century.
We must do all that is necessary to protect the key components of the life of our planet as the consequences of decisions made now will likely be forever as far as humanity is concerned.
The kitchen is on fire and it's spreading round the house. If we act quickly and decisively we may be able to put it out before the damage becomes irreversible.
Ice melt from a warming Arctic has two major effects on the ocean. First, increased water contributes to global sea-level rise, which in turn affects coastlines across the globe. Second, fresh water from melting ice changes the salinity of the world’s oceans, which can affect ocean ecosystems and deep water mixing.
Increasing sea level rise will be a problem in the future for people living in coastal regions around the globe.
Arctic sea ice reflects sunlight, keeping the polar regions cool and moderating global climate. According to scientific measurements, Arctic sea ice has declined dramatically over at least the past thirty years, with the most extreme decline seen in the summer melt season. The Greenland ice sheet is melting faster than expected, according to a new study led by a University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher.
Arctic ice continued its decline, with hardy, thicker old ice increasingly being replaced with quick-to-melt, thinner young ice.
This winter's maximum Arctic sea ice extent was 5.85 million square miles (15,150,000 square kilometers)—about 278,000 square miles (720,000 square kilometers) less than the Arctic average between 1979 and 2000.
"That's a loss about the size of the state of Texas," said Walter Meier of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado.
And speaking of Texas, isn't that the home state of the guy whose followers still pretend that global warming is a liberal figment?
Apparently there are different types of arctic ice, and older ice is more resilient than younger ice. Guess which is melting faster: older ice.
Ice a year or more old—thicker, hardier, and less prone to melting than younger ice—was at an all-time low at the end of this past winter, the new report says.
Ice older than two years once accounted for some 30 to 40 percent of the Arctic's wintertime cover and made up 25 percent as recently as 2007.
But last year it represented only 14 percent of the maximum. This year the figure fell to 10 percent.
Save money & have fun with your own organic garden
In today’s economy, many people are looking for new ways to save money and many of us folk and families are turning to growing our own very own organic gardens. We turned our front lawn into a food producing useful part of our property, and in the past 3 years it has really paid off for us.
Not only is growing a garden a relaxing and enjoyable activity it can also help you save money. Eating organic is healthier for you, but buying organic vegetables can be pricey. Growing an organic garden is a fun, healthy activity that is not only economical, but fun for the whole family.
Organic gardening can be a great way to save some extra money in your budget. You could actual cut your produce bill down by half with planning and preparation, it could be easy to achieve when you do it right from the beginning and organize your plantings so you are staggering all season. You can also use a mini greenhouse covering, a portable garden cloche as my son did in our garden (in these photos with my grand-kids) this year to get an early start on your plantings.
How Much Effort is Involved?
In the beginning, learning everything you need to be a great gardener can seem overwhelming; however, when money is involved this becomes less of an issue. It is truly easier then most think.
Most of the physical effort with organic gardening is in the bed preparation, pest control and keeping up with harvesting everything at the optimal time. In all fairness this should only account for a couple of weeks out of the gardening season, although it may involve other activities for example, maintaining a compost pile.
Other chores that require some time and effort, such as weeding and watering, can both be reduced through the proper use of mulching. Walking through your garden for a couple of minutes every day will help you identify your gardens needs quickly, before they become a problem. You will develop a intimate relationship with your gardens needs, and it will become a joy to do this daily check thru.
10 or 15 minutes a day or just an about one hour once or twice a week should be enough to maintain a substantial garden.
If your goal is to produce a large portion of your food requirements for the year, canning may take several days of time and effort. You can freeze many veges and sauces, & use a dehydrator as well.
This can be minimized by planning ahead to grow items that can be dried or stored in a root cellar.
Save Money with more vegetables
Free Compost
Of course, if you make compost at home with yard and kitchen waste, you can consider this a free source of compost. Many communities also maintain large compost piles from yard waste the waste management department gathers from residents. Call your public works department to find out if your town offers free compost to its residents.
Free Compost Bin
You can use discarded hog wire bent into a big circle or just a contained pile that you turn frequently. If you don’t mind a compost bin with a rustic appearance, you can make one from discarded wooden pallets. Warehouses regularly discard damaged pallets, so ask the warehouse supervisor if you can haul away the least damaged three or four pallets. Wire together four pallets for a closed bin, or three pallets for an open model.
Free Containers
Think creatively for planting containers amongst your recycling. Fill an old boot with a nice compact strawberry plant. Line the drawers of a dresser left on someone’s curb with trash bags, and plant with herbs and dwarf cherry tomato plants. Fill unraveling baskets with dirt and lettuce and spinach until nature finally claims them.
Organic Fertilizer
Offer to clean out some horse stables in exchange for free manure. Do this once every autumn to obtain ample compost booster to help your leaves break down. There are many natural soil boosters out there.
Starting an organic and healthy garden is easy when you have the right soil fertilizer for your vegetable plants to grow in. The basis for any garden is rich soil that is full of nutrients your plants need to grow strong and healthy.
The health of the soil, organic gardens are more productive. Plants fed through proper soil management require less additional fertilizers. They are also more disease and pest resistant, therefore they use less pesticides. More vegetables and larger vegetables mean less food you have to buy!
To save money on gardening in general, let's take a look at all the things in a garden that could cost you extra money. You could pay for seeds. You could pay for manure and compost if you haven't started with making or obtaining your own. You could pay for additional organic fertilizers, like egg shell, lime, Cottonseed meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, manure and sewage sludge are examples of organic fertilizers. You could pay for pesticides. Finally, you could water your garden with city water and run up your water bill.
How Do You Save Money Gardening?
With your first garden you may find it necessary to buy these soil amendments and seeds to start off with. In order to save yourself this expense, you can save seeds from tomatoes, cucumbers and other garden produce as you use heirloom varieties.
Seed companies have genetically modified food crops to produce seeds that are sterile. Saving seeds from any of these varieties will just be a waste of your time. They key is to purchase heirloom strains, also known as heritage strains.
Heirloom varieties have not had insect DNA spliced into their genes, nor have they been modified to produce sterile seed. So far seed companies have not been able to modify potatoes to make them sterile... simply grow 10% more than you intend to eat and save them as seed potatoes for the following year.
Saving Money on Mulch, Manure, and Fertilizer
The secret to healthy, organic soil is compost. While some plants might enjoy the addition of manure, the truth is you can grow a very healthy and productive garden without manure or mulch if you have properly made compost. If you want to save money on all three (plus use less fertilizer), it is easy to learn how to make your own quality compost! Add plenty of it to your garden bed, and wherever you need mulch use sifted compost instead.
Organic gardening itself will save you money on fertilizer, but if your plants need a little extra during the growing season you can make your own compost tea. While there are many different recipes, the general idea is to fill a sock with compost and suspend it in a 5 gallon bucket of water for several hours. The resulting liquid can be watered down if needed and will contain humus, beneficial microorganisms, and nutrients that are immediately available to your plants.
Saving Money on Pesticides
Every garden needs some form of pest control. If you look through an organic gardening guide, you will see the same item mentioned for certain types of bugs and pests: Rotenone with pyrethrins. A plant called purslane is the commercial source for pyrethrins, and rotenone breaks down in 24 hours to Nitrogen and Phosphorus (making it one of the safest of all insecticides).
If this is your first year gardening than buy some rotenone with pyrethrins, but also plant some purslane. Next year you can make your own pyrethrins- simply use 1 tablespoon freshly ground dried purslane flowers, 2 liters of hot water, and a few drops of dish soap.
Also plant a few extra cayenne peppers and garlic plants. A couple peppers and a couple cloves of garlic ground up and soaked in a liter of warm water will make a spray that keeps bugs away.
We have problems with snails. It requires staying on top of it. Using a product called 'sluggo' which is just an iron phosphate product and is considered natural, but it is expensive to use. Other ways are you can :
Introduce predators - One effective organic snail control is to introduce or encourage predators. Make your garden friendly to small snakes like the garter snake. These snakes enjoy eating garden snails as well as other common garden pests. You can also introduce decollate snails to your garden. Decollate snails will not harm your plants but will eat the common garden snail.
Lay down grit - Many gritty substances make effective snail repellents. Gritty substances will cut the body of the snail which will lead to it being injured. Crushed eggshells, sand or diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants that the garden snails seem to prefer will deter and eventually kill these pests.
Set out traps - A common snail trap is the beer pan. Simply fill a shallow pan with beer and leave it out overnight. The snails will be attracted to the beer and will drown in it. The beer will need to replaced every few days to remain effective.
Another trap is to find a flat object than can provide a dark, cool, moist location. Snails love dark, cool, moist areas. You can use a board, a piece of carpet, or thick cloth to create this environment. Water an area, then lay the object down over the damp area. Return in a few days and pick up the object. You can harvest and destroy the hiding snails.
Saving Money on Water
We use a drip system which is the most economical water system besides rain water. Also a lake or pond can be helpful for saving you money on your water bill. Otherwise, a very low cost modification to your downspout can divert rainwater to a barrel or cistern for use in your garden. Not only will it save you money on your water bill, but this water contains no chlorine and is much healthier for your plants.
One Final Thought
Gardening should be thought of as a long term solution to our over all food bill. If you buy gardening tools, a rototiller, a pressure canner and a dehydrator and you only use them for one season, than you are probably spending more money than you are saving. It is only when you purchase these items (once) and use them season after season that you are truely saving yourself money on the food you produce. Keeping this in mind will help you save the most money with your garden.
Not only is growing a garden a relaxing and enjoyable activity it can also help you save money. Eating organic is healthier for you, but buying organic vegetables can be pricey. Growing an organic garden is a fun, healthy activity that is not only economical, but fun for the whole family.
Organic gardening can be a great way to save some extra money in your budget. You could actual cut your produce bill down by half with planning and preparation, it could be easy to achieve when you do it right from the beginning and organize your plantings so you are staggering all season. You can also use a mini greenhouse covering, a portable garden cloche as my son did in our garden (in these photos with my grand-kids) this year to get an early start on your plantings.
How Much Effort is Involved?
In the beginning, learning everything you need to be a great gardener can seem overwhelming; however, when money is involved this becomes less of an issue. It is truly easier then most think.
Most of the physical effort with organic gardening is in the bed preparation, pest control and keeping up with harvesting everything at the optimal time. In all fairness this should only account for a couple of weeks out of the gardening season, although it may involve other activities for example, maintaining a compost pile.
Other chores that require some time and effort, such as weeding and watering, can both be reduced through the proper use of mulching. Walking through your garden for a couple of minutes every day will help you identify your gardens needs quickly, before they become a problem. You will develop a intimate relationship with your gardens needs, and it will become a joy to do this daily check thru.
10 or 15 minutes a day or just an about one hour once or twice a week should be enough to maintain a substantial garden.
If your goal is to produce a large portion of your food requirements for the year, canning may take several days of time and effort. You can freeze many veges and sauces, & use a dehydrator as well.
This can be minimized by planning ahead to grow items that can be dried or stored in a root cellar.
Save Money with more vegetables
One reason to start organic gardening is for the money you can save. By paying close attention to the health of the soil, organic gardens are incredibly productive. Plants fed through proper soil management require less additional fertilizers. They are also more disease and pest resistant, therefore they use less pesticides. More vegetables and larger vegetables mean less food you have to buy!
Free Compost
Of course, if you make compost at home with yard and kitchen waste, you can consider this a free source of compost. Many communities also maintain large compost piles from yard waste the waste management department gathers from residents. Call your public works department to find out if your town offers free compost to its residents.
Free Compost Bin
You can use discarded hog wire bent into a big circle or just a contained pile that you turn frequently. If you don’t mind a compost bin with a rustic appearance, you can make one from discarded wooden pallets. Warehouses regularly discard damaged pallets, so ask the warehouse supervisor if you can haul away the least damaged three or four pallets. Wire together four pallets for a closed bin, or three pallets for an open model.
Free Containers
Think creatively for planting containers amongst your recycling. Fill an old boot with a nice compact strawberry plant. Line the drawers of a dresser left on someone’s curb with trash bags, and plant with herbs and dwarf cherry tomato plants. Fill unraveling baskets with dirt and lettuce and spinach until nature finally claims them.
Organic Fertilizer
Offer to clean out some horse stables in exchange for free manure. Do this once every autumn to obtain ample compost booster to help your leaves break down. There are many natural soil boosters out there.
Starting an organic and healthy garden is easy when you have the right soil fertilizer for your vegetable plants to grow in. The basis for any garden is rich soil that is full of nutrients your plants need to grow strong and healthy.
The health of the soil, organic gardens are more productive. Plants fed through proper soil management require less additional fertilizers. They are also more disease and pest resistant, therefore they use less pesticides. More vegetables and larger vegetables mean less food you have to buy!
To save money on gardening in general, let's take a look at all the things in a garden that could cost you extra money. You could pay for seeds. You could pay for manure and compost if you haven't started with making or obtaining your own. You could pay for additional organic fertilizers, like egg shell, lime, Cottonseed meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, manure and sewage sludge are examples of organic fertilizers. You could pay for pesticides. Finally, you could water your garden with city water and run up your water bill.
How Do You Save Money Gardening?
With your first garden you may find it necessary to buy these soil amendments and seeds to start off with. In order to save yourself this expense, you can save seeds from tomatoes, cucumbers and other garden produce as you use heirloom varieties.
Seed companies have genetically modified food crops to produce seeds that are sterile. Saving seeds from any of these varieties will just be a waste of your time. They key is to purchase heirloom strains, also known as heritage strains.
Heirloom varieties have not had insect DNA spliced into their genes, nor have they been modified to produce sterile seed. So far seed companies have not been able to modify potatoes to make them sterile... simply grow 10% more than you intend to eat and save them as seed potatoes for the following year.
Saving Money on Mulch, Manure, and Fertilizer
The secret to healthy, organic soil is compost. While some plants might enjoy the addition of manure, the truth is you can grow a very healthy and productive garden without manure or mulch if you have properly made compost. If you want to save money on all three (plus use less fertilizer), it is easy to learn how to make your own quality compost! Add plenty of it to your garden bed, and wherever you need mulch use sifted compost instead.
Organic gardening itself will save you money on fertilizer, but if your plants need a little extra during the growing season you can make your own compost tea. While there are many different recipes, the general idea is to fill a sock with compost and suspend it in a 5 gallon bucket of water for several hours. The resulting liquid can be watered down if needed and will contain humus, beneficial microorganisms, and nutrients that are immediately available to your plants.
Saving Money on Pesticides
Every garden needs some form of pest control. If you look through an organic gardening guide, you will see the same item mentioned for certain types of bugs and pests: Rotenone with pyrethrins. A plant called purslane is the commercial source for pyrethrins, and rotenone breaks down in 24 hours to Nitrogen and Phosphorus (making it one of the safest of all insecticides).
If this is your first year gardening than buy some rotenone with pyrethrins, but also plant some purslane. Next year you can make your own pyrethrins- simply use 1 tablespoon freshly ground dried purslane flowers, 2 liters of hot water, and a few drops of dish soap.
Also plant a few extra cayenne peppers and garlic plants. A couple peppers and a couple cloves of garlic ground up and soaked in a liter of warm water will make a spray that keeps bugs away.
We have problems with snails. It requires staying on top of it. Using a product called 'sluggo' which is just an iron phosphate product and is considered natural, but it is expensive to use. Other ways are you can :
Introduce predators - One effective organic snail control is to introduce or encourage predators. Make your garden friendly to small snakes like the garter snake. These snakes enjoy eating garden snails as well as other common garden pests. You can also introduce decollate snails to your garden. Decollate snails will not harm your plants but will eat the common garden snail.
Lay down grit - Many gritty substances make effective snail repellents. Gritty substances will cut the body of the snail which will lead to it being injured. Crushed eggshells, sand or diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants that the garden snails seem to prefer will deter and eventually kill these pests.
Set out traps - A common snail trap is the beer pan. Simply fill a shallow pan with beer and leave it out overnight. The snails will be attracted to the beer and will drown in it. The beer will need to replaced every few days to remain effective.
Another trap is to find a flat object than can provide a dark, cool, moist location. Snails love dark, cool, moist areas. You can use a board, a piece of carpet, or thick cloth to create this environment. Water an area, then lay the object down over the damp area. Return in a few days and pick up the object. You can harvest and destroy the hiding snails.
Saving Money on Water
We use a drip system which is the most economical water system besides rain water. Also a lake or pond can be helpful for saving you money on your water bill. Otherwise, a very low cost modification to your downspout can divert rainwater to a barrel or cistern for use in your garden. Not only will it save you money on your water bill, but this water contains no chlorine and is much healthier for your plants.
One Final Thought
Gardening should be thought of as a long term solution to our over all food bill. If you buy gardening tools, a rototiller, a pressure canner and a dehydrator and you only use them for one season, than you are probably spending more money than you are saving. It is only when you purchase these items (once) and use them season after season that you are truely saving yourself money on the food you produce. Keeping this in mind will help you save the most money with your garden.
Save Our Precious Water
Water conservation can be as simple as developing the habit of using a little less every time you use water.
If we each save a little, we all help the entire Planet's Population to be sustainable.
The need for water conservation has become more important than ever. Depletion and impairment of water resources has resulted from the irresponsible attitude, over usage.
Even though most of the earth is covered with water, the usable water is only limited to a small percentage of the total water.
These are reasons enough to change our attitude and get involved in the conservation of water in every small or big way possible.
What are some of the ways to conserve water in daily life?
Believe it or not water can be saved or conserved by evaluating and making some changes in our life around. Some examples are mentioned below:
Repair leaking faucets and other water outlets
Do not let the faucets running when you are not using the running water
Install low pressure shower heads and toilets
Limit baths to may be once a month
Take shorter showers
Operate washers and dishwashers when they are full to the optimum load
Compost your waste in stead of draining it down the waste disposal system, which takes a lot of water to work properly
Don't forget to also drink as much good filtered water as possible to maintain a healthy body!
We all need water, let's treat our water with love and respect, it is a Living liquid we cannot live on this earth without!
If we each save a little, we all help the entire Planet's Population to be sustainable.
The need for water conservation has become more important than ever. Depletion and impairment of water resources has resulted from the irresponsible attitude, over usage.
Even though most of the earth is covered with water, the usable water is only limited to a small percentage of the total water.
These are reasons enough to change our attitude and get involved in the conservation of water in every small or big way possible.
What are some of the ways to conserve water in daily life?
Believe it or not water can be saved or conserved by evaluating and making some changes in our life around. Some examples are mentioned below:
Repair leaking faucets and other water outlets
Do not let the faucets running when you are not using the running water
Install low pressure shower heads and toilets
Limit baths to may be once a month
Take shorter showers
Operate washers and dishwashers when they are full to the optimum load
Compost your waste in stead of draining it down the waste disposal system, which takes a lot of water to work properly
Don't forget to also drink as much good filtered water as possible to maintain a healthy body!
We all need water, let's treat our water with love and respect, it is a Living liquid we cannot live on this earth without!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
12 Steps to Go Green
In only 12 months you can be certified 'Green'. You will be making smart eco-choices about everything you are doing in no time. It is easy being greener....give it some time.
STEP ONE ~ THINK 'EFFICIENT' ON ENERGY USAGE
Month 1. Save energy to save money.
week 1 *Start to become energy use aware and think Efficient.
How do we switch from being 'wasters' to 'savers'?
This is the way we begin....it is all about being aware.
Notice at home, at work in the car ways you can do more to save energy. Think about doing just a bit more every single day to make another observation, then change. One small step at a time.
Next......how about Considering weatherizing your home?
Start with turning off lights and power strips when leaving a room.
Then set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
It becomes a game to see how aware you can be of all the little things we do to waste energy daily. Then make a small change in the way you do this each day. Just start paying more attention to energy usage. Vow to make a difference in little ways to begin with. Eventually it begins to add up.
week 2* Install compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout your house this week, make a plan to have all your light bulbs CFLS. Or when your older incandescent bulbs burn out, change them one at a time.
week 3* Get a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances and electronics are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use, or just unplug electronics when not in use.
week 4 *Start Washing your clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.
STEP TWO ~ BE AWARE OF WATER
Month 2. Save water to save money and the planet.
week 1 * Be aware of your water usage. Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment. Buy a whole house water filter or at least a shower filter. We have too much chlorine in our city water, which is harmful to our health.
week 2 * Buy a whole house water filter or at least a shower filter. We have too much chlorine in our city water, which is harmful to our health.
Check out out the movie 'Flow' and understand the worlds situation in regards to bottled water, our entire water situation on this planet, and begin to have an idea about the problem.
week 3* Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
week 4 * check out your yard water usage. Think about switching to drought-tolerant native plants in your garden if this is an option. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
STEP THREE ~ CONSERVE ON GASOLINE...THINK ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Month 3. Use less gasoline, walk, ride a bike or bus
week 1 * Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
week 2 * Consider moving within walking distance of your job if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
week 3* Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
week 4* Sell your gas gussling car if you have one and buy a hybrid car
STEP FOUR ~ HEALTHY, ORGANIC, GREEN FOOD CONSUMPTION....THINK EAT FOR 'TOTAL WELL BEING' - HEALTHY YOU-HEALTHY PLANET
month 4. Eat Green Cuisine -go vege or vegan when you can
week 1* If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs. Switch to only locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy. * Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great. Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood
week 2*Eat more greens, vegetables and begin to adapt to a whole food diet
week 3* consider starting a vegetable garden and a composting bin.
week 4* Be aware of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in foods. Read up on the side effects of certain poisons we are eating. Eat organic vegetables. Switch to as much organic as you can. Be aware of where food comes from, how it is made and how they are produced. Buy bulk items that are organic Rice, beans, lentils etc. Also, buy local, and buy aware of what is in your food, read labels.
STEP FIVE ~ FOCUS ON THE 3 R'S -REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Month 5. Cut down our use of plastics
week 1* Don't buy bottled water in plastic. Purchase a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste. Bring a reusable water bottle with you where ever you go so you aren't tempted to buy soft drinks. preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
week 2* Buy reusable products and purchase items packaged environmentally friendly. Notice everything in your home that is bottled or packaged in plastic. Make a plan to switch to no longer purchasing what is packaged in plastic, except only the truly necessary times when there is not an option.
week 3* Use only your own bags when going shopping and do not except plastic bags from stores
week 4* Remove unnecessary plastic from your environment and recycle everything you can
STEP SIX ~ CONSIDER THIS: BREAK THE SPENDING HABIT!
month 6. Learn to change your spending habits~buy sparingly - only what you need
week 1* Yes, sorry to say it~Plan a budget! Become aware of where your money is going, and spend more wisely, and greener.
week 2 * Become a thift shopper~Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items. When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't. Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free. Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse. Focus on buying in bulk and going shopping less often when you do need to. Get jars and store your dry goods in gallon jars and shop only when those staples are empty.
week 3 * Save-Save-Save the Earth and Focus on Saving money in a difficult economy
* Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.
week 4* Spend your money repairing fixable items instead of getting new stuff. Make a list of ways to recycle the old items you are no longer using, be aware when you spend of the environment and saving it!
STEP SEVEN ~ BORROW, LEND, GIVE AND GET.
Month 7. Be a borrowing and a sharer, share everything you can!
week 1 * Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
week 2 * Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
week 3 *Be a reuse person! Make it your mission this month to reuse instead of recycling. Reuse something means it doesn't have to be reprocessed again. If you cannot reuse it donate it-or sell it on e-bay!
week 4*Clean out your closets, garage, attic and basement.Give it away, donate it sell it! Get down to only the essential items you and your family need. Share it, give it and enjoy lightening up.
STEP EIGHT ~ GO TOTALLY ORGANIC!
Month 8. Shop smart. Buy organic 'green' products
week 1 * Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
week 2 * Wear clothes that are made with organic, natural fabrics when it is possible. Also clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
week 3 * Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).
week 4* Wrap your mind around ORGANIC in all areas of living. Green, sustainable living is the new way of living, this month make it your lifelong mission.
STEP NINE ~ REDUCE YOUR WASTE - BECOME AWARE OF WHERE IT IS GOING
month 9. Reduce THE waste of unnecessary GARBAGE and reuse what you already have
week 1 * Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible. Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem. Recycle your cell phone.
week 2 * Visit your local dump and make a conscious choice to do something to help out - We have way too much waste on this planet. Think of one creative way you can cut down
week 3 * Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event. Talk to your co-workers about it.
week 4 *give up unneeded gadgets, clean your home of junk electronics
STEP TEN ~ BE COMPLETELY CHEMICAL FREE IN YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT
Month 10. Remove as many chemicals from your life as possible
Week 1 * Use up all the old chemical cleaning supplies or give them away to someone that still uses them
week 2 * Make your own cleaning supplies. You can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.
week 3* Check out toxins and chemicals in drugs you take or food you ingest? Clean it up, out of our bodies and out of the system
week 4* need I say this, quit coffee, alcohol and cigarettes if any one this has become a habit
STEP ELEVEN ~ BE IN NATURAL SKIN CARE HEAVEN!
Month 11. Use only natural products on your skin
week 1* switch over to all natural skin and body care products made without all those HARMFUL chemical preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers and wasteful packaging. Make sure your products are at the very least 50% organic and natural.
week 2* commit to read labels on every body care product
week 3 *buy locally or from environmentally friendly companies that are making their products consciously. Big business in skin care products is big pollution!
Week 4 *Make some of your own products from natural oils. Buy chemical free sunscreens to protect from harmful sun rays.
STEP TWELVE ~ STAY FOCUSED ON GREEN! YOU DID IT!!! YOU ARE NOW A CERTIFIED ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE LIVING, GREEN BEING!
Month 12. Stay informed about going green, and be a advocate to continue
Week 1 * Have a good spiritual practice ~start meditation and yoga
week 2 * Focus on others, in service to the Whole of Humanity
week 3* Do your part to advocate greening to others
week 4* Start your own local 'Greening the Planet' group
If you have done most of the things and comply with at least 65% percent of this list then
Congratulations! You are now certified 'Green'.
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