Green Alternative Blog Post Date: Jun 05, 2007
When recycling computers means scrap metal by Clive Margolis
Until two weeks ago I believed our local council gave used computers to organisations for reuse and recycling. I based this belief on the Barnet website, http://www.barnet.gov.uk/ which states that computer and home office equipment - and I quote - "are collected by organisations for reuse and recycling".
However, this was not my experience when I took one of the family's many PC castoffs to be recycled - or so I thought. If I had imagined it was going to help a poverty-stricken village in Africa or some other place too hot to mention, I was mistaken.
For as I made my way to the corner where so many of our technological cast-offs end up, I could clearly hear, in the distance, the unmistakable sound of a man.
"Chuck it in the scrap metal mate".
I turned around with all the dignity a man carrying a desktop computer can have, and pointed out that I believed the council policy was to recycle used computers.
"Nah, mate. People keep putting them down with the electronics, but we just chuck them in the scrap metal anyway".
I complied, and made a mental note to check this 'fact' with the local authority, who seem to be trying so hard to reduce waste. And I did so, and I'm waiting for a response to this evening's email. While throwing this piece of 'scrap metal' into the giant skip I pondered over the fact that, so few years ago, an incredibly complex and clever piece of equipment like this would have been someone's prize possession, probably even belonging to a private company and definitely costing thousands. But even for that money I couldn't have acquired one, as the best on the market wasn't even that fast, just a few years ago.
Today, such an item is simply not good enough, not even worth taking to bits for someone else to deal with.
The way people round here behave, you'd think there were way too many computers in the world, but according to Computer Aid International, a charity that distributes PCs to the developing world (http://www.computuraid.org/ )
"The digital divide that currently exists between the developed and developing countries is enormous. Latest World Bank research shows that there are 5 or less computers per 1,000 people in the vast majority of Sub-Saharan African countries. This figure is also applicable to the South Asian sub-continent."
Here in the UK well over half of households have at least one PC, more than that in ours.
Is there a link between our attitude towards used technology and our attitude to everything else around us? I believe so, but that's another topic for another day.
By the way, the Council seems to be doing something with the monitors. I saw these loaded onto a pallet at quite a rate. It's quite hard for them to keep up with the number coming in.
from http://ecoxiety.blogspot.com
About the Author
Clive is the author of Ecoxiety ( http://ecoxiety.blogspot.com ), which he describes as "the lighter side of environmental disaster"
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Green Alternative Blog Post Date: Jun 05, 2007
Insulating your home to save energy and reduce heating costs by Jerry Livings
Insulating your loft will result in significant energy savings, and therefore you can expect to reduce your energy costs dramatically as a result. A huge amount of heat leaks out of your roof if the loft is not insulated, around 30% of heat that you have already paid for.
Loft Insulation is relatively easy to do. If your loft is not already insulated, the cost should be about ?275 for the insulation material. Once installed however, you'll save approximately ?200 per year in reduced heating costs. Therefore, only 18 months later, the cost of the project has paid for itself in lower energy bills, and every year after that, you'll be saving a significant amount of money on heating costs. It is recommended that the minimum thickness of Loft Insulation should be 200mm. Mineral Fibre or Fibreglass matting comes in rolls of either 100mm or 200mm thick, the thinner 100mm version being used to lay over existing, older, and therefore usually thinner insulation. This type of insulation is most often used by homeowners confident enough to undertake the work themselves. However, great care should be taken, and the issue of whether to install yourself or hire a qualified fitter is discussed below. An alternative is loose-fill loft insulation, which is used where the spacing between joists is irregular, or in places where it is difficult to reach to install roll-based insulation.
In both cases, the job of installation may not be quite as easy as first thought. The depth between joists is often lower than the recommended depth of insulation, and some initial preparatory work will therefore have to be completed. This is often achieved by raising the height of the joists with additional timber to the required depth. It's quite a precarious position up there in the loft, and very easy to overbalance. Joists are very narrow to walk on, in fact, you shouldn't attempt to walk on a single joist at all, but instead cover the area in boards resting on the joists on all four sides, to distribute your weight more evenly. Of course, ladders can be quite dangerous, particularly in the often small and dimly-lit conditions of a loft. There are also hazards in laying the insulation itself, For instance, Mineral Wool insulation can irritate your eyes and throat, and protective clothing should be worn at all times to avoid contact with the skin. Considering the above, I would recommend using a professional to do the work for you. You will incur additional expense, but when you consider the considerable savings you'll be making on your heating bills, it's well worth getting the job done properly and safely. And anyway, it's all about how to save energy, right? If you can afford to, get someone else to do it!
Solid Wall Insulation - Internal Insulation Plaster board laminate insulation is up to 90mm thick, and is fixed directly to the internal wall. Alternatively, you can fix wooden battens to the wall, infill the gaps between them with insulating material, and then plasterboard the whole construction over the top. Both these Solid Wall Insulation methods are likely to be costly however, and are fairly large projects inevitably leading to some disruption in the living area. Instead, flexible internal linings are easier to install, almost like hanging wallpaper. They are substantially thinner and can be painted, wallpapered or even tiled over afterwards.
Solid Wall Insulation - External Insulation External wall insulation should be between 50mm and 100mm thick, and is usually applied in cases of severe heat loss, and where the application of an exterior rendering material may improve the appearance of a damaged wall. The cost of exterior wall insulation is around ?1800 for a 3 bedroomed, semi-detached house, but this would save you about ?290 to ?350 per year in heating costs. You should also consider that a typical radiator loses 70% of the heat it produces through the wall behind it. Fitting heat-keeping radiator panels will save a great deal of heat produced, and apart from the drop in costs, the room will warm up much quicker.
Cavity Wall Insulation If your house was built after 1930, and the thickness of your walls is at least 26.5cm thick (10.5 inches in old money), it's likely that you have cavity walls. However, this can be checked by a local cavity wall insulation installer. If you do have cavity walls, the procedure is very simple. The insulation material is injected into the walls from outside, so there won't be any mess to clear up afterwards, and it will only take about 3 hours to insulate an average-sized, 3 bedroom semi-detached house. Furthermore, if you hire a professional to do the work for you, it should be guaranteed for 25 years. It's a relatively easy job, and you'll notice the benefits all year round, for instance, even temperatures around the house, less condensation, and moderate room temperatures during a hot summer. This project will set you back about ?260, but as you save energy costs, you'll find yourself paying up to ?160 less each year on your heating bills.
Water Tank and Pipe Insulation Water Tank Insulation requires that the water tank jacket is at least 75mm (3 inches) thick. An insulation jacket costs about ?19, but that will save you about ?20 per year in heating costs. Insulating hot water pipes is a relatively straightforward way to save energy, but you'll have to lift the floorboards to get at them in most cases. Therefore, insulating the floor afterwards is a good idea.
Floor Insulation The quickest and easiest floor insulation method is to fill all the gaps in your floorboards, and the gaps between skirting boards and floor, with a silicon rubber sealant. This method might cost up to ?20, but you should get your money back in the first year, and see ongoing savings of around ?20 per year after that. Alternatively, you could insulate underneath the ground floor floorboards. This might cost over ?100, but you'll be saving about ?50 per year as a result. The main consideration here, though, is to make sure air-bricks under the floorboards are not obstructed, which could result in your floorboards rotting due to poor ventilation If you do the job yourself, it will cost up to ?50, but expect to see your heating bill reduce by about ?20 per year. Homes with a solid fuel fire, gas fire or boiler with an open flue require effective ventilation, and it is also very important in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent condensation. If condensation is an issue, try opening the window when cooking, fit an extractor fan, and have chimneys swept regularly.
About the Author
Further energy saving tips can be found at:
http://www.renewable-resource-domestic-energy-savings.com
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Green Alternative Blog Post Date: Jun 05, 2007
Types of Dunnage for your Shipping Boxes by Rob Parker
Not long ago, wood was the only material available when it came to dunnage that separated boxes and other cargo while in transit from industry to market. With better manufacturing and composite materials available in today's market and the decrease in usage of metal strapping for shipping boxes, there are now several options when it comes to protective dunnage for your shipping.
Wood. (floor dunnage, lateral dunnage) Not as popular as it used to be, wood is still used as dunnage. The main reason for this is that wood is often available on the floor of any warehouse and can fit almost any size shipment. It provides good structure and does not fall apart, and it is also very resistant to wear and abrasion. Wooden dunnage has increased in costs, however, and may not be the best option for boxes which contain sensitive or fragile materials.
Inflatable. (interlayer dunnage, top dunnage, lateral dunnage) Shipments containing boxes with sensitive materials inside are increasingly being packed with inflatable dunnage. Air bag like structures are manufactured from kraft paper (vinyl and polyethylene are also used) and have plastic interiors. Lighter materials are not suitable for shipments with metal strapping, but the kraft paper models can handle a lot of abuse. These dunnage options are ideal for both separating boxes and inside the box itself; the product being shipped can mold to the bag, so not only are the packages separated, but are also protected from vibrations.
Foam. (all uses) Foam dunnage is familiar to almost anyone who has ever opened a package. Foam can be used in small bits on the inside of the box, or as molded pieces for pallets, top, and lateral dunnage. The disadvantage of foam, of course, is that it can be messy and is not environmentally friendly.
Fabric. Dunnage made of fabric is especially useful for suspending your product inside its shipping container, with custom designed partitions. This product is collapsible and returnable, so your investment in dunnage doesn't need to be written off with each shipment.
Plastic. Thermoformed plastic trays make excellent bin liners, and offer the added benefit of being returnable and reusable. Their lightweight design reduces shipping costs (as compared to wood) while their toughness increases durability.
Remember that dunnage serves a few different purposes. It needs to protect the contents of the shipping boxes both inside and out, as well as the interior of the ship or truck doing the transporting. The type of dunnage that you select will depend on the type of shipment you are making and the other types of packaging materials that you are using, as well as convenience and price.
About the Author
For more information on this article or on plastic thermoformed containers, visit http://www.numatechIndustries.com
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Green Alternative Blog Post Date: Jun 04, 2007
Your Lawn - Caring for Your Soil
Author: Terry Blackburn
So, you have tested your soil and now know the pH level and the
type of soil you have. Good for you. Now you may be asking
yourself how do I care for this soil so that the grass and the
plants, the flowers, and the trees will grow? You have come to
the right place.
Since good, healthy soil is the foundation of a beautiful yard,
you will need to start with the basics.
Watering
If you have sandy soil, then you will have to pay particular
attention to this section. If you have loam soil, then you can
read this with a smile - but remember that even loam soil needs
water or it will quickly turn to sand. If you have silt or clay
soil, the next section on drainage will also be useful to you.
The first rule of watering is that it must be done often,
especially during the warmer months when there is less rain
fall. You should water your lawn each day in order to make sure
that the soil is receiving enough moisture.
Many people invest in watering systems which are underground
sprinklers that are set on timers that will water the lawn each
day. While these systems can be expensive, if you are the
forgetful type, this is an option. If not, buy a hose that is
long enough to reach the lawn or buy a sprinkler that can be
moved around.
It is important to water your lawn enough, but not overeater it.
You have watered your lawn too much when puddles begin to form.
This is why you should move around your lawn and try to get an
even amount of water on the entire lawn.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your lawn is the best way to provide nutrients and
help keep the weed population under control in order to create a
healthy lawn. When fertilizing your lawn, you keep in mind the
following:
Types of grass that are on the lawn
pH level of soil
Type of soil
Types of weeds
There are different types of fertilizers for different types of
grass. Also, there are fertilizers that should be used at
different times each year. If you have recently planted seed
grass, then you should already know the types that are on your
lawn, but if you have moved into a home that was previously
occupied, you may not know exactly which types of grass are on
your lawn. You should ask your neighbors about their grass since
the same grasses are typically used in an area.
Read the instructions on the bag of fertilizer before using it.
This will tell you when to use the fertilizer, how to apply it,
and also suggest other fertilizers that should be used during
the year. Each season, you should be using a fertilizer.
In order to spread the fertilizer evenly, you should buy or rent
a spreader. This will evenly distribute the fertilizer. They are
very easy to use. Simply put the fertilizer into the hopper and
push the spreader in even lines across the lawn.
Liming
If your soil is acidic, you will need to put lime down in order
to bring the soil to a more neutral state. If you decide to send
a soil sample to be tested, you will receive advice on how much
lime to use and when to use it on your lawn.
Lime can be found at most home and garden centers and can be
used the same way as fertilizer.
Once you have placed lime on your lawn, DO NOT repeat the
process. If you put too much lime on your lawn, you will cause
the soil to turn alkaline, which is not good for most plants and
flowers.
Mulching and Composting
What better way to combine helping the environment and using
fancy lawn equipment than by mulching and composting! This is a
fun activity for the entire family.
In order to create mulch, you will need to buy or rent a
mulching machine. These little machines will grind up leaves,
small branches, and bark. The material that shoots out the back
of the mulching machine can be used to decorate your lawn or be
used as fertilizer. Since mulch is made from organic materials,
it is full of nutrients that will help plants and flowers grow.
It will also replenish nutrients in the soil.
You will have the opportunity to mulch each fall as this is a
great way to get rid of all of those leaves.
Composting is a little different from mulching in that you will
be recycling not only dead leaves and other organic matter, but
also your trash. Yes, your trash. Instead of throwing away left
over food, you can create a compost pile outside where food will
decompose with other matter to create a nutrient rich mix that
you can add to your soil. For many people the idea of composting
sounds disgusting, and in many ways, it is. You will need to
turn the pile every few days to make sure that all of the
materials are decomposing at the same rate. This will also
reduce the odor. When you have a large enough pile, you can use
it on your lawn. This is an inexpensive way to fertilize your
lawn by using materials from the environment.
Many people would rather use compost than chemicals on your
lawn. The choice is up to you.
lawn care
About the author:
Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South
Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Producer of
blog http://www.lawnsurgeon.blogspot.com Author of "Your Perfect
Lawn," a 90 Page eBook devoted to Lawn Preparation, Lawn Care
and Maintenance. Find it at http://www.lawnsurgeon.com
I would be very interested to have your comments on this Article.
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Green Alternative Blog Post Date: Jun 04, 2007
"Gardening for Dummy: Learning The Basics" by Earl Taylor
Many people are interested in gardening, but do not know the basics on how to get started. You may not be a dummy, but many people refer to themselves in that manner when they are not well versed in a subject.
Gardening for dummy is a simple way to learn how to garden when you know little about the hobby.
To get started, you should decide on what type of garden you wish to plant. Choose between a vegetable and flower garden and set aside a portion of your yard to put down the plants or the bulbs.
When choosing a spot, make sure you will get adequate sunlight for the type of plants you decide on. Once you decide on these aspects, you can purchase the necessary items to plant including a hoe, shovel, rake, spading fork and watering can.
The next step in the gardening for dummy process is to prepare the soil. You must remove the weeds and grass and till the soil. Once the ground is ready, you are ready to begin planting.
It is best to plant during an overcast day to avoid the sun's rays causing damage to your plants. To know how deep to dig your holes, you should simply plant to the depth of the pot that the plant was bought in.
Cover the plant with soil and then water it generously.
The final step in the gardening for dummy procedure is to perform daily maintenance upon your garden.
Continue to provide water for the plants, at least an inch a week. Remember to continue weeding and also remove the dead blossoms from your flowers.
With these tips, you can start your own fun and easy garden.
About the Author
Earl Taylor is an expert opportunist with 8 years experience as an internet marketer. He is the author of http://careerjobs.bizland.com. His diligent research and precise recommendations has been known to help thousands find profitable work at home jobs and home businesses. To learn more about gardening. Visit: http://careerjobs.bizland.com/homegrdc.html
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Green Alternative Blog Post Date: Jun 04, 2007
Everything You Need To Know About Sago Palm Care
Sago palm care is essential in order to give it the best possible chance to grow and look beautiful in any garden. It adds a touch of sophistication and gives it a tropical look that can be treasured for years to come.
A lot of people out their take pride in keeping their garden prim and proper, using flowers and accessories to add character to it. There are many different things that can be used and one of those things is sago palm trees.
The great thing about sago palm trees is that they are very adaptable and they can be used either in sunny conditions or in shady conditions alike. They are also popular because of the dark green fronds that it has as well as having a tropical look to it. They really can help to add elegance and sophistication to the garden as well as being great to look at too.
How Can your Garden Benefit from a Sago Palm?
Some gardens tend to suffer and look bare as there is a lack of colour or life to it. If your garden is like this, you would not believe the impact of what a sago palm would do for the garden. It is a great feature to add to any garden and if looked after properly, it will repay you by bringing life and personality into the landscape.
Do you look after your Sago Palm the Way that you should?
Looking after a sago plant is vital to have it looking as beautiful as possible. So it is best to do your research into how to look after your sago palm, otherwise you risk it dieing or not growing like it should.
The way the sago propagates is by seed or by removal. It needs to be monitored regularly so it needs the flow of water and fertilizer needs to be controlled. When new leaves start to emerge, they need to be left alone and also they need to have a good source of light. The leaves are not allowed to dry out so this is when it needs to be watered; otherwise they will either turn yellow or die off. If you notice that the plant has yellow or brown leaves, you should remove them as soon as possible. Also it is important to know when exactly to water them, but be careful not to over do it as it will damage the sago palm.
With a little bit of time and effort, you can help to keep the sago palm looking great and it will certainly compliment your garden. Why not give sago palm a go in your garden and you too can enjoy the great benefits that it can bring.
About the Author
Andrew Caxton use to write on palm trees and similar subjects for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information on ornametal plants or sago palm care subjects have a look at his web.
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