Alternative Power: Hydroelectric Potential

hydroelectric-_-ontario-power-generation

Image by Ontario Power Generation

When it comes to large-scale alternative power, hydroelectric plants are currently the most common – supplying more than 80% of the word’s renewable energy.  While hydro power is much cleaner and more cost-efficient than the generation of electricity using fossil fuels, there are a number of disadvantages including the threat of dam failures, disturbance to the natural environment, and some greenhouse gas emissions.

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The World’s Most Amazing Wind Farms

lynn-and-inner-dowsing-wind-farm1

Wind farm development is playing a huge role in a clean energy future.  While mass wind power may offer a beneficial energy alternative, the construction of wind farms creates a great deal of controversy – from the destruction of natural habitats and dangers to birds and bats to the actual effectiveness of wind as an energy source.  Some even argue that wind farms are ugly, disrupting the scenic coastlines and natural beauty of the world.  Take a look at these wind farm pictures and let us know your thoughts – ugly or simply amazing?

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Greenwashing H20: WTF is ‘Sustainable Water’?

Image by Michel Filion via Flickr
Image by Michel Filion via Flickr

Water…it’s pure, it’s natural, and it’s abundant – right?

Well, not exactly. While nearly 75% of the world is covered with water, only about 3% is fit for human consumption – and two-thirds of that is found in glaciers and icecaps. That leaves just 1% of the planet’s water for our own use. Yes, water is a rare, valuable, and necessary resource — but is it really worth $20 a bottle?

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Sustainble Death: Going Green Right into Your Grave

Who would have thought – death is the latest way to go green?!

Photo by Xirannisx back On
Photo by Xirannisx back On

For many eco-conscience individuals, it’s just not enough to live a green lifestyle. Sustainable death, green burials, and the possibilities of renewable energy options via death are all emerging trends to take environmentalism to the grave.

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20 Amazing Images Attributed to Global Warming

By Mysi Anne via Flickr
By Mysi Anne via Flickr

Global warming has been discussed and debated until we’re all about sick of hearing the debates and discussions. Instead of analyzing scientific data or arguing over who’s to blame for climate change, take a look at these intriguing global warming images of the shocking and unusual changes we’ve experienced in recent years. These oddities may or may not prove that global warming is real in your book, but they’re amazing nonetheless!

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Solar Energy – The Only True Source of Power

Author’s note:
It is beyond the scope and space available in this blog to fully explain how important solar energy has always been.  For this reason, much of the information here is meant to be a LINK to other information, and is connected to it through hyperlinks to other web pages.  To better understand how important solar energy is, it is strongly advised that you click on some or all of these links.  Each one will open a new window, so you will be able to return easily to this article, and continue along the train of thought it offers.  — Roger

Deep field image of many galaxies. Courtesy of NASA

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Natural Insect Repellents

Mosquitoes can transmit dieasesImagine using a wonderful smelling bowl of lightly crushed leaves and flower petals as not only an attractive decoration, but as a chemical free homemade insect repellent. You can grow all of the ingredients in pots, or splurge with a little creativity, but the end result is a safe and effective way to keep the bugs away! Avoiding harsh and unpleasant odors from potentially harmful commercial products is a tremendous reason to try natural insect repellents, as if being inexpensive and beautiful weren’t already enough.

Roses, rosemary, and eucalyptus are natural insect repellents. In fact, you probably have garlic, bay leaves, and possibly cloves and cayenne pepper in your kitchen. These are all plants that offer protection from ants and flying insects, such as mosquitoes. Lemongrass is a natural source of citronella. For small or enclosed uses, these should be sufficient for a bug-free afternoon. But let’s also look at a couple of natural heavy-hitters in insect repellents, marigolds and mint.  And keep in mind that most garden plants have preferred neighbors.

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