Reasons Homemade Renewable Energy is a Great Idea:

1. Will reduce CO2 emissions in Great Britain by as much as 30 million tons in 20 years(this is the equivalent of getting rid of half of the trucks in Britain alone)
2. It can serve as a main energy source rather easily
3. It encourages the practice of energy conservation
4. It preserves the environment by reducing pollution unlike current energy sources and their by-products.
5. Everyone gets the chance to contribute to environmental causes such as the fight against climate change and other environmental problems.
6. Reduces global dependence on fossil-based fuels.

With the ever increasing price of crude oil and the volatile situation in the world’s energy markets, a lot of people are considering the switch to renewable energy sources as an answer to their problems.

While environmental advocates have long touted the need to switch from the over-dependence on fossil-based fuels to alternative energy sources such as homemade renewable energy, this call received little attention among the global populace, most of whom saw no urgent need to switch from current sources of energy to those less prone to affect the environment, partly because of the initial costs of making the switch and the fact that government grants and assistance towards making the switch were hardly available in the past.

The Impact of the Current Energy Situation

With signs that the costs of crude oil and other energy products derived from similar sources are not bound to reduce anytime soon, people are responding much more positively to the possibility of converting to alternative energy as a mainstream source of power. Although this contemplated move may be more in tune with the need to save money than the need to save the environment, it may very well be the situation that brings about the much needed change required to aid in resolving most of the current environmental problems and protecting the earth for future generations.

Even national government bodies and establishments known for their posturing and reluctance to vocally support this need for change, are altering their stance. Recently the British Government, in an overtly supportive move towards the renewable energy drive, sponsored a detailed report listing out a number of reasons why homemade renewable energy (micro-generation) is a good idea.

Financing the Renewable Energy Cause

The report is not the only effort the British government is making towards making sure that people become aware of alternative energy sources and make the switch.  A £100 billion renewable energy initiative has been launched in order to encourage homeowners to start generating their own power, financial incentives will be offered for homeowners who outfit their homes with devices capable of renewable energy generation such as wind turbines and solar panels. Not only will homeowners receive funds to aid them make the switch but they will also have the opportunity to sell the excess energy that they generate back to the national power grid at premium rates.

Energy Goals, Targets and Benefits

This strategy is part of an effort to ensure that 20% of the energy in the European Union comes from renewable energy sources in as little as 12 years from now. Currently, only about 90,000 solar panels are used in renewable energy generation in homes across Britain but the initiative aims to increase this figure by as much as 7 million by the year 2020. Not only is the initiative meant to provide energy, reduce costs and save the environment but it will also be responsible for creating over 150,000 jobs.

While it is clear that there are still some hurdles to be crossed, it is clear that this new strategy and pro-environmentalist stance being adopted by national governments such as that of Britain bodes well for the future.

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Contrary to good ol’ George Bush’s opinion on future energy sources, offshore drilling and millions of dollars exploring carbon capture techniques are not the answer to our energy needs. Oil companies are enjoying record-breaking profits and George claims there’s hope for the future of solar power - “in parts of the world where the sun shines a lot.”

The truth is, fossil fuels like coal and oil play a major role in the current state of the planet and there are much cleaner, reliable sources for our energy needs. Check out the latest developments in sustainable energy:

Solar Power - Not Just a Sunny Day Companion

• New research may include titanium in the future of solar panels. The new material harnesses power from both the visible and the infrared spectrum, potentially using as much as 63% of the available energy - an improvement of more than 20% over today’s solar panels.

• The Solar Tree is an artistic and earth-friendly street lamp, designed by Ross Lovegrove. The first solar trees are growing in popularity throughout Europe as Lovegrove works to develop second-generation trees with even more features, including an air purification module and sunflower-like movement. Yes George - even when the sun doesn’t shine “a lot”, these lamps will light the night for at least 4 days on stored energy.

The Power of Garbage

Disposing of the tons and tons of waste we generate each year has been a problem that only continues to grow. New advancements are making the idea of transforming that garbage into energy and fuel more than just a dream. There are plans for at least 2 dozen plants and a few already in operation, like the system shown in the video below.

Save Hundreds with a Gentle Breeze

• This stylish roof ornament does much more than make your neighbor’s ask questions. Designed by French artist Philippe Starck, this windmill could generate 80% of your home’s energy without becoming an eyesore.

• A few simple kites, attached to a generator, could power your neighborhood in the near future. Kites can harness more of the wind’s energy than windmills because of the higher altitude and are nowhere near as costly. Kite farms are not just cost-effective and clean means of creating energy, they’re fascinating!

There are many other sustainable energy options that can improve the planet as well as our wallets. From hydrogen and water to the power of human movement, the future holds much more than oil and coal. Subscribe to Ecoble to stay up to date on the latest advancements.

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More and more uses for hydrogen as fuel and power alternatives are being experimented with each year. We’re discovering ways to make hydrogen more efficient, more eco-friendly, and more affordable. The past few years have seen tremendous advancements in fuel cell technology and the use of hydrogen.

Check out 10 of the most impressive hydrogen powered innovations:

1. The Honda FCX Clarity is sleek, fast, and produces zero emissions. Unfortunately it is mega-expensive and dependent on a hydrogen filling station so only a lucky 600 southern California residents will have the luxury of leasing the Clarity.

2.

Photo/Tom Lynn

This colorful float was featured in Racine, Wisconsin’s Fourth of July parade. Created by Racine-based Modine Manufacturing Company, the float uses a fuel cell that converts “hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water, and heat” to power animations and sounds – like the moving elephant that sprays water from his trunk.

3. Both Orlando International Airport and SeaWorld in Orlando have introduced hydrogen fueled shuttles, eliminating carbon emissions by nearly 100%.

ford.digitalsnippets.com/environment

4. UltraCell Corporation in Livermore, CA has perfected the first micro fuel cell. The XX25 Fuel cell provides a reliable power source for mobile electronics in remote areas and has been used by the US Army for several years.

Photo: US Navy

5. The Tigergen I was created by the Mizzou Hydrogen Car Team at the University of Missouri. The hydrogen fuel cell car will take part in the 2400 mile Solar Car Challenge to demonstrate the possibilities of hydrogen power.

6. This house runs completely on solar and hydrogen power. Owner Mike Strizki also operates a car and a lawnmower powered by hydrogen, as well as an electric motorcycle and speedboat.

Photo: ©DAVID BIELLO

7. Zero to 60 in 3.5 and a tremendous 40 miles to the gallon, the Scorpion Supercar by Ronn Motor Company is the ultimate eco-friendly sports coupe. The Scorpion features a high-performance hybrid engine that uses a Hydrorunner hydrogen on demand injection system to decrease emissions and increase efficiency.

Photo: Ronn Motor Company

8. The Pearl Hydrogen Bike travels up to 25km per hour and conveniently folds for easy storage or transport.

9.  
Photo: Bryan Patrick

California’s environmentally friendly Christmas tree uses LED lights and a hydrogen fuel cell system to eliminate greenhouse emissions.

10. The Hydrastax 5000 is scheduled to be available later this year and can power the average size home on hydrogen.

Photo: SFC

The possibility of a hydrogen economy is becoming more of a reality with each new creation. Subscribe to Ecoble to keep up with the latest in hydrogen news and visit the US Department of Energy to learn more.

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We don’t need him to do any more “work”. We’re not asking that he do anything, really. It might be better if he just went to Crawford until January. But since he insists on carrying on the charade of being a representative of the American people, all we really want is for him to stop saying moronic things in front of important world leaders for the duration of his time in office. Really, is that too much to ask?

George “The Decider” Bush met in Japan a couple weeks ago for a summit with the leaders of the top eight industrial nations (G8) to discuss how they plan to have their way with the globe. Naturally, (no pun intended) among the items on the agenda was the subject of climate change.

The G8 were unable to come to an agreement on any definitive action with regard to climate change, but rather than this being a cause for sober reflection, it inspired our fearless leader to conclude his comments at the summit by punching at the air and saying, “Goodbye from the world’s biggest polluter.”

Now, I’m just a humble blogger; certainly no diplomat or statesman. I work in my pajamas half the time, drink too much coffee, and watch reality TV while surfing the internet and reading DIGG. And yet, even I know that an international summit is not the place to crack jokes about how little my country cares about the planet.

Reporters state that everyone at the summit was shocked by the president’s remarks. I’m sure there were a few moments before they recovered when their faces revealed a furious mental debate in which they tried to decide whether he is an idiot or ballsy. Personally, I think both are true. A ballsy idiot is representing our interests to the entire civilized world. And that, my friends, is no laughing matter.

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Imagine a roadway completely free of accidents. How much time would you save if you never had to search for another parking space? What if your car truly made life easier and at the same time caused absolutely no harm to the environment?

Volkswagen’s vision for the future sounds like a scene from a really good sci-fi movie and looks just as futuristic. In just 20 short years, these sleek, friendly automobiles may be ruling the roadways and changing the way we think about driving. Volkswagen 2028 is a plan for eco-friendly transportation at its best – the right car with just the right amount of space, zero emissions, and a personality that suits your own.

Volkswagen 2028

From the space saving ONe to the family size ROOM, the 4 earth and driver friendly prototypes offer the right solution for every need. There’s no need to worry about choosing the right color – Volkswagen is experimenting with intelligent materials “that will make it possible for us to customize our cars with the simple press of a button.”

What else makes the Volkswagen 2028 vision worth investigating?

• Not only can you alter colors and adjust the window tint, cars can become more visible in adverse weather by donning a more vibrant hue.
• An automatic driving system allows cars to drive themselves – even letting the front seats swivel around to face the rear for quality time on the go.
• The car of the future doesn’t just get you from one place to another. It doubles as a shopping assistant, travel companion, and a mobile entertainment center that knows your personal preferences and communicates with you.
• Never forget a meeting or lose touch with friends and family. Your Volkswagen in 2028 will connect with all your wireless devices and will keep a constant connection to the internet. It will know you, as well as your schedule.
• Your car will not just communicate with you, it will communicate with the cars around it – eliminating traffic jams and preventing accidents. Your car will even drop you off and park itself!

What about the environment?

Smaller, more advanced engines, combined with the use of electricity and sustainable fuel options, will create automotives with zero emissions. Rather than wasting space for food crops with plants for biodiesel, second-generation fuels can convert any part of the plant and use waste products like stems and leaves leaving the rest for food.

Volkswagen 2028 takes eco-friendly driving and sustainable living to an entirely new level. The question is, are we ready for it?

Share your thoughts on the automotive future - Does autopilot take the fun out of driving? Would you trust your car enough to turn your back to the road? Does the thought of your car knowing more about you than your best friend creep you out just a wee bit?

Explore Volkswagen 2028.

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