UK grocery powerhouse Sainsbury’s signed a three-year-contract to send food waste from 40 of its stores to an anaerobic digestion facility run by the waste management firm Biffa, located in Leicestershire.
And that’s just the beginning. Biffa and Sainsbury’s have a long history (over five years) of working together on waste management projects, from waste oil recycling to confidential paperwork management, to recycling. By 2012, Sainsbury’s plans to treat all of its food waste at organic processing plants. That energy will be used to create biogas, and to generate electricity. Biffa is currently building a second anaerobic digestion plant with 80,000 tons per year capacity in Cannock, which should be online by fall 2010. Commenting on the arrangement with Biffa, Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury’s commercial director, said: “We are the industry leader in the use of anaerobic digestion and with this additional capacity provided by Biffa, we put ourselves even further ahead.” “Respect for the environment is one of our key values, and as such, we will completely stop sending food waste to landfill within the next few weeks. We are desperate for greater anaerobic digestion capacity and would therefore like to see greater, clearer incentives for investment in this green technology.” Commenting on the arrangement with Biffa, Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury’s commercial director, said: “We are the industry leader in the use of anaerobic digestion and with this additional capacity provided by Biffa, we put ourselves even further ahead.” “Respect for the environment is one of our key values, and as such, we will completely stop sending food waste to landfill within the next few weeks. We are desperate for greater anaerobic digestion capacity and would therefore like to see greater, clearer incentives for investment in this green technology.” Harvest Power’s Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre plant will be the first large commercial scale high solids anaerobic digestion plant in North America.
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What does go green mean? Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our environment is in need of lots of TLC and the time to take action is now. Environmental care is healthy.
Today, we are having a lot of environmental complications. If we don't start acting now, we may live to regret the times that we took the earth for granted. It's not hard to advocate for the environment. It only takes perseverance and self-commitment. It's important to realize that all efforts begin small. A big task always starts with a promise to one's self, the awareness of the desire to do something that is not only for your own good but, also for the good of others. Global Warming issues are the result of taking resources, like water, fuel, and electricity for granted. Ideas for helping to heal the environment: Turn off computers, appliances, etc when not in use.. If you're not using an appliance, turn it off. You'll be able to conserve more electricity by turning unnecessary equipment off than leaving them on standby mode. Let the sun in your house during the day, especially in cold weather by drawing your curtains back. This will let heat enter your home so you won't have to use the heater during the day and turn the lights on. Always turn lights off when leaving a room. Of course, it's also helpful to keep them off while sleeping,. If you must have a light on, open the shades and let the moon brighten the room.. Stay away from using unnecessary equipment. In this day in age, we do things the easy way, such as using a dish washer, washing machine and dryer. Washing the dishes with your hands is easy to do. If you don't have too much laundry, you can wash your clothes with your hands too. Save on gas and money by not using your car all the time. Use the public transport frequently. Biking is an alternative to driving the car, and it also, is a great way to get fit. As a result, you and your family will constantly be looking for ways to improve the environment and will encourage your friends, as well. Carpooling with your neighbors and co-workers is also a good idea. This way, you are also helping your friends save on gas and money. Also, carpooling will make your relationships with each other stronger. Stop wasting water. We need it to survive. Check around the house for leaky, old pipes. Look for leaks and repair these damages immediately. Conserving water is really easy when you follow these simple instructions. Avoid using grass sprinklers. They waste too much water. Using a water hose puts you in control while watering your yard. Avoid taking long showers. Decrease your shower time. While standing under a hot shower is soothing, keep in mind that you are wasting water. Also, turn the shower off when you're lathering your body. Use a glass when brushing your teeth and turn the faucet off instead of letting it run. Do not dispose of your trash right away. Determine if the "trash" can be used for any other purpose. Keep in mind what is no longer useful to you may be valuable to someone else. When throwing things away, remember to organize them according to type. Creating various recycle bins helps make recycling easier and eventually you won't have to think about it. It'll develop into a routine. What does go green mean? Simply caring for the environment. Have the dedication and devotion to be an environmental advocate. Live the environmental values that you have been taught and tell other people to do the same. I am the Engineering Designer for Harvest. That may sound dull, but it is not. I have a passion for honoring the resources provided by our one and only precious planet. My job at Harvest lets me live my passion even while I am at work. I believe that all of us make a difference – for better or worse – especially when you look at daily habits and how they have evolved over time.
remember when recycling was first rolled out in Seattle. I was so enthusiastic to participate that I would sort through the waste after parties and pull out precious aluminum cans and glass bottles. People thought I was a nut case, but to me, it seemed like the least I could do. At the time, I also considered taking the food waste home to my backyard compost pile, but decided not to; I didn’t want to be too marginalized for my recycling fanaticism. Now, years later, I take heart when I think of the powerful impact cities that have implemented food waste diversion programs in single family residences and businesses have had in their communities. I work in Vancouver BC, and Seattle, WA, and daily witness the difference people make every time they put their dinner plate scrapings into their little green waste totes. Pizza crusts become soil. Nutrients stay within the community. Healthier crops, because of healthier soils, grow stronger with reduced chemical fertilizer inputs. Before, I used to only fantasize about composting friends’ stray apple cores and snack leftovers. Now, friends put their cores, crusts, and peels into their food scraps bin on their kitchen counter. They then take the scraps out to their green waste bin on the back porch. This is their habit. We have come a long way. By working with Harvest, I get to help my community take the next step in organic waste management: I help design the facilities that turn food and yard waste into energy and soil products. In my vision, in a couple of years, my friends, with their apple core poised above their food scrap bin, will think, “This core is going to become my electricity in the high solids anaerobic digester down the street.” Capturing energy from organic waste will be the norm. Solar energy is a natural source of energy that comes directly from the sun. When solar energy hits the earth it spreads over the earth's surface and provides warmth evenly. If you could capture the sun's rays into a particular area for a long period of time it would provide enough warmth for nighttime or on cloudy days. Learning where to find solar energy can help you to get started today. Solar energy does not cost anything because it comes from the sun. The source that you choose may cost some but in the long run it should be your only expense, unlike gas or oil heaters that you continue to pay for monthly in order to have power or gas heat in your home. Solar power can provide heating, cooling and ventilation.
If you want to make your own solar power to capture the energy for heating its easy to do if you can find a solar collector, which is anything that attracts the heat from the sun in a concentrated amount, such as glass or clear plastic. Getting into your car that has sat out in the hot sun all day long can be extremely hot and you have to roll down your windows to cool it off inside. That is because the glass has attracted the sun and the objects in your car, including your seats, have trapped the heat not allowing it to escape. When you roll your windows down you are allowing the heat to escape causing your car to cool down. The same thing is true about greenhouses. The glass or clear plastic can attract the sun and not allow it to escape causing the greenhouse to maintain the heat for the plants to grow effectively. In order to heat your home using solar energy, you need to know the information on a passive and an active home. These two types of solar homes offer the homeowner options to choose from and your cost of heating may be down. Solar energy does not only heat your home but it also heats your water and if you use solar energy lights it can light your home at night. Passive homes do not use any equipment to heat the home. Passive homes use windows that are made to allow the maximum amount of sunlight into your home. The sunlight is controlled by keeping the doors closed in the hottest part of the day not allowing any heat to escape. At night thick curtains may be used on these windows so that the warmth stays inside during the night. This allows the sun to naturally heat your home without any help. Active homes do use equipment to help circulate the heat in the home. Some of the equipment that may be used includes pumps, blowers and an alternative heating source in case the sunlight was not enough during the daytime. In order to heat the home with sunlight these homes use special boxes on the outside that attract the sunrays to it. They are made from a dark colored metal to help attract the sun more. The water or air that is carried in the pipes and ductwork is heated by this glass box that has captured the sunlight. Then the heated water or air is then carried to the rest of the home. In the long run, solar energy helps to heat the home naturally and without depending on a company to supply it for you. Solar energy can be found anywhere the sun is. World’s eco system has witnessed massive changes in the last 50 years. This has had adverse effects on the living creatures, atmosphere and the environment on the whole.
Ecosystem degradation : Human actions have solely contributed to this eco system degradation. Since, planet, animals and environment are all inter dependent, changes that take place in the eco system will have a negative effect on the living creatures and this planet. Therefore, we need to curb these human actions in order to see a brighter and safer planet tomorrow. We need to breathe in fresh air which is not possible with the excessive burning up of fossil fuels. This is choking different species and there are extreme climatic changes. Human actions have contributed a great deal to the changing patterns in the environment! Other activities which are causing damage to the ecosystem is fishing, usage of fresh water and deforestation. Deforestation has increased the carbon di oxide level in the atmosphere and has also contributed to the extinction of several species. The environmental cycle has seen a complete change due to human activities. There has been severe damage to the ozone layer. How are we going to be protected from the harmful ultra violet rays? Don’t we need to protect this ozone layer? Each one of us, should take up this responsibility of reducing the carbon di oxide emissions by planting more trees so that the green belt safe guards all living creatures. It is in our own hands to save this planet from being extinct. Domestic Small Wind Energy.
The idea of having a solar panel situated on your property that will provide your domestic energy supply has become widely accepted by most home-owners. However, to compliment this, growing numbers are also looking at small wind energy projects that will support this system as it is adapted to suit the different weather conditions that are required for the functionality of solar. If you have an acre of land then it's more straight forward as you are then able to install a five kilowatt small wind energy generator that will stand around double the height of a telegraph pole for around $25,000. Although a sound option for the environment, not good news for ROI (return on investment) enthusiasts. However, you can always check to see if there are tax credits or rebate available in your local area or state that may ease the cost somewhat. The theory of small wind energy is that any extra energy generated is fed back to the grid and off-course the utility company can still provide your needs on calmer days. See the latest Small Wind Energy Project Review If you don't happen to live on a small-holding or ranch then you can still perhaps benefit by forming your own local community project by utilizing schools churches and other organizations that are more likely to have the land requirement. It's a great system for those who wish to live a more greener way of life and reduce energy costs - a win-win situation for all. The World Summit on small wind energy is being held in Husum, Germany this March (2010). An excellent venue for discovering the efficacy of small community-based energy projects on cleaner, more economical and environmentally friendlier energy source. Wind Ownership. So who does the wind belong to? Due to advancements in technology, wind energy is now becoming less expensive to produce than fossil fuel energy. When you look at the fact that fossil fuel production cost $120 billion a year, not to mention the damage to the environment it causes, how will the Oil companies then remain dominant in the energy industry? Will they still be able to control market forces and prices by manipulating the supply of the wind resource? Perhaps they will ultimately be forced to invest in wind energy resources. A study undertaken by Stanford University claimed that wind resource can easily provide the global requirement by over seven times. Communities vs Corporate. During the period of 2000 and 2007, the wind energy industry grew by five times. In fact, more than $36 billion was invested worldwide in the wind energy industry. There is a four-fold increase of predicted growth for the small wind energy industry over the next decade. We are now likely to see how large companies will be lobbying to influence government policy to initiate tax incentives and rebates for this type of energy. This makes even more vital that on the domestic scene that communities and individuals take control of their energy source before once again, becoming prey to the monopolistic energy corporations and prohibitive regulations disallowing us to act independently. Small Wind Energy will become a significant resource in the future as a cheaper, greener and more abundant form of power. Take a look at this excellent review of a Small Wind Energy project that explains how individuals and communities can make a difference. Children need to be educated about our planet and all the different life forms that inhabit the earth. Teaching a child about the millions of species of animals that exist in this world, half of them in the rainforests, is a good thing. This article on the endangered rainforest animals for your kids to know covers some of these animals in danger of extinction to create awareness among children. Since our children are the future of our country, teaching them is our duty.
Children need to be made aware that most animal extinction and endangerment is caused by human activities. There are many animal rights activists who strive valiantly to save the endangered species and stop extinction but it is a long, hard battle. Rainforests are under constant threat and saving the rainforest means saving the animals that inhabit the forest. Tropical rainforests are considered to be nature's largest pharmacy due to the numerous natural medicines found there. A few of the better known endangered rainforest animals for your kids to know include: Gorilla - found in the west central African rainforests of Zaire and Rwanda are in danger of being wiped out through loss of habitat and being hunted as bush meat. The Ebola virus has already done significant damage to the Gorilla population. Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey - is probably one the most endangered of all the rainforest animals and is nearly extinct. The fur of these monkeys is extremely valuable and can fetch as much as 20,000 dollars on the black market. Their number has diminished drastically and only a few of the species are to be found in the Brazilian rainforests. Jaguar - one of the sleekest of all beasts of prey, this magnificent animal is on the endangered list. Hunting although prohibited in most countries continues to drive the species nearer to extinction with each passing year. Bengal Tiger - there are only approximately 4000 of these animals left in the wilds of the Sundarbans in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, China and Siberia. When you consider that they numbered roughly 50000 in the 1900s, you will realize how much damage man has done by poaching not just these beautiful animals but their land. Most of us know and love the Orangutan and it is sad to know that these cute creatures with their mops of orange hair are on the endangered list. Destruction and loss of habitat coupled with poaching and being hunted as an exotic species have led to the decline in numbers. This list is only the beginning of a very long list of endangered rainforest animals for your kids to know. Encourage them to visit as many sites as possible to learn more and teach them to be motivated towards saving the endangered animals. To home a pet is serious business, the animal whether a dog or any other animal becomes a family member and the right animal care knowledge for kids is very essential. This article gives a broad overview of the basic considerations and care that need to be taken for dogs.
Dogs are probably the most loving of all pets; they give love unlimited and want the same in return. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child the importance of loving and caring for the animal as a first step in keeping a pet. A dog needs to be fed right, exercised and groomed at regular intervals. Training the dog to live indoors, obey commands and not chew your favorite rug or slippers is all a part of owning a dog. Some basic tips on the right kind of animal care knowledge for kids to be practiced: • Sweets are poison for your dog; the Xylitol an artificial sweetener is very dangerous because it causes the animal's blood sugar to drop dangerously causing seizures, lack of coordination and even depression. • Chocolate for dogs is an absolute NO! It can cause seizures, diarrhea and vomiting and has been known to be fatal for the animal. • Dogs by nature are curious animals especially in the puppy and growing stages, keep them away from electrical cables and power outlets, glass and plastic. They can get an electrical shock, choke on plastic and the glass when ingested can cause internal bleeding. • Dressing up your dog may cater to your fantasies but for the dog it may mean skin irritations and breathing problems. • Your dog should be registered and wear a collar and dog tag ID attached to the collar at all times. Make sure your contact details are on the Identification tag. • It is not advisable to bathe a dog too often due to skin problems; your vet can guide you on the right bathing intervals. Practice grooming the dog on a regular basis; everyday is best and give the animal plenty of fresh air and good nutrition. You can always sponge the animal down with warm water if he gets too dirty. • You need to do a physical exam of the animal at least once a month - check the teeth for tartar, the gums for disease, the pads of the feet for cuts and bruises, the ears for infection. The dog needs to be taken to the vet for annual checkups and booster shots. Use these basic tips as a starting point and build on your animal care knowledge for kids. When asked about solar power, the most common idea most people would have is solar-powered homes. Solar energy can certainly be used for homes, but there are also many other uses. As time goes by, more ways to use solar power will probably arise.
Homes are important users of solar power. Not only can the solar power provide AC current, by means of an inverter, for all kinds of household appliances. Solar power can also be used to heat water and air in the home. Remote households are ideal places for solar power. Solar lighting by means of fiber optics can also be used in the home. Space was perhaps the first arena for modern solar power. Solar panels have been used on spacecraft sails to harness the sun’s power to move the spacecraft in the right directions. Now, a new development is taking place. NASA is considering using diamond as a substitute for silicon in the solar panels on the space station. It is said to be more durable and efficient. Solar power has been used to get wireless broadband internet to remote areas. The stations that can reach these areas are solar powered because they are too far away from conventional electricity. This has allowed many Native American learning centers to be equipped with internet services. Telecommunications has been enhanced as well by solar power. Microwave repeater towers are often set up on mountaintops. It is impractical to run power lines to them. However, solar power systems can keep them running. This allows people to get good reception on their cell phones. When it comes to having fun, solar power can help energize the recreation. RVs can be equipped to go just about anywhere if they utilize solar power. Boats can also be designed to run on solar power so that they do not have to be filled up with gas every so often. Vacationers are free to boat as far from civilization as they wish, without worrying about fuel. Call boxes along roadways may use solar power for their phones. In California, it is standard practice. This allows for a dependable network of phones without the necessity of running buried cables to them. Also, roadside signs used to be lit up by some sort of generator, such as a diesel generator. Now, the highway signs can be illuminated by means of solar power. Experimental though they may be, solar powered cars have been invented and are in use by some people. There are racing competitions among the owners of solar powered cars. Perhaps in the future advancements will be made to ensure that solar powered cars are more than just a novelty item. Solar power can be used in commercial and industrial settings as well. Many industries are going green, building solar powered plants and offices. This is made easier because of the fact that there is quite a lot of space on the roofs of most industrial plants that can be used for solar panels. It is a time for solar power to be put to use. There are many applications where it can make a big difference. Since it does not harm the environment, it makes sense to use it whenever possible.than it is worth. Since the portable greenhouse can be stored in the winter months, it is much better for routine gardeners. Nature is very important for life, so let's keep this our nature in order to remain sustainable. On this site there is a collection of articles about nature, hopefully with the existence of these sites can increase our knowledge about nature.
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No Forest No Future
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