Possibly GREEN

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Environmental Living...Completely Go Green


This Life Choice is Not for Everyone

I do not what anyone reading this to think that I have personally gone completely green. In the past few years I have tried to go greener, but by no means do I want you thinking that I have adopted this life style. Many of the ideas and tips set down in this article I do currently live by, however, it takes a very special individual to make this kind of a concerted effort of commitment. I can only assume that you are researching it to either improve your current green efforts, or to find out what it will take to completely go green. There are so many things we must do other than recycling and change your light bulbs to the fluorescent kind. To help you with this decision I have broken going green or environmental living into four major parts. If you can make these changes in your life style, along with your recycling and other noble efforts, you will be well on your way to completely going green. As I see it, these are the four major categories.

1. Renewable Energy: Residential solar and wind power cannot only help save the planet, but thousands of dollars in utility company cost. Many chose to go off grid, and still other’s actually make money by selling energy back to the utilities.

2.Car Conversion: There are several choices available when converting your car to be green. Bio-fuel, electric, and HHO technology are your options.

3. No More Chemicals: Completely rid yourself and your family of all products that have any chemicals in them. This includes cleaning products and detergents, bath and beauty products, and pets products.

4. Eat All Natural and Organic Foods: This is hard unless you can afford to pay the higher prices or you live on a farm. The best way to go about it is to first grow an organic garden, than take the money you are saving to buy all naturally fed meat and poultry.

Do-It-Yourself and Save

Do Only What You Can Accomplish for You
We are told that we all must do our part. You hear this all the time. The plain truth of the matter is that we can only do what we can do. Each one of the fore mentioned categories will help save the planet, as well as your families health and financial well being. There are resources I have found that will make any desired transition much mor affordable and easier than you might imagine.

1. Solar is a much better option for residential installation than wind power is. If at all possible, especially in windy areas, both forms of renewable energy are preferred. Besides the obvious reason for considering solar, the fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy, you should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.

Small wind turbines are designed for individual homes, farms, and small businesses, and are electric generators that utilize wind energy to produce clean, emissions-free renewable power. They are defined as having rated capacities of up to 100 kilowatts. So if you were thinking that one wind generator will power your house, I’m sorry but it won’t. Keep in mind that the wind turbine is simply a collector just like a solar panel is. In this case the collector is the spinning rotor, made up of a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. Small blades result in a small rotor diameter, which translates into a small collector area, which further translates into small amounts of generated electricity.

2. Car conversion has become primarily a grass roots movement in recent years. There is a major difference between bio-fuels and bio-diesel. The main difference is that bio-diesel with little or no modification needed, can only be used in diesel engines. It is made from soybeans and can be used in its pure form, but it is usually mixed with standard diesel fuel. They do have a few very important aspects that are alike however. Bio-fuels, such as ethanol are made from corn and other crops. Like bio-diesel, bio-fuels are not only stemming the tide of global warming but helping support American agriculture. You can’t just dump a few gallons of vegetable oil in your tank however. You will ruin your engine. The conversion is grassroots technology, and for the most part a do- it- yourself process. Although the government seems to be behind it in theory, I wouldn’t go changing over until you investigate it thoroughly. If you are interested in learning more about homemade bio-diesel however, there is a source.

Electric cars. Wow, how about that Tesla Motors. If you haven’t yet seen what their coming out with next year, it is amazing. The Model S is Beautiful, 250-300 mile range, and 0-60mph in less than six seconds. I think that most of us don’t have the $50k asking price however. Most of the manufacturers of electric cars just don’t get it. They expect that to save the planet we will put up with 50 mile range before having to recharge, and a speed of 60mph. Well, there are some do- it -yourselfer’s that claim their conversion will give you 100 mile range, and it only cost a few hundred dollars. I think that if you are someone that does not drive on the highways often, an electric car might be perfect. In addition the government will give you a tax credit for driving a clean fuel vehicle.

Although hydrogen cells are what most experts claim to be the fuel of the future, I have found a grassroots movement that uses
water as fuel today. You will still have to take the occasional trip to the gas pump, because water is supplemental to your gas or diesel fuel, and 100% water cars are still on the drawing board. Moreover, extracting energy from water to double or triple your fuel economy is VERY EASY. This is not new technology. People have been using water to gas converters in vehicles for years. This is proven technology. Using a simple device, you can use the electricity from your battery to separate water (H2O) into a gas known as HHO. HHO is two parts’ Hydrogen and one part Oxygen. HHO is a supercharged gas that burns effectively and produces significant energy, greatly improving your fuel economy. Incredibly, the waste product is water! The green car of the future just might be sitting in your driveway. Because the hydrogen is produced On-Demand, this technology is perfectly safe for you and your passengers. Imagine going from 20-25 mpg, to 50-60 mpg or more, and at the same time reducing your carbon foot print.

This Organic Tomato Came From My Garden

No More Chemicals in My House
3. Imagine a home with zero chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste.

If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.

4. The First Lady has made planting and growing your own garden, fashionable again. After years of eating supermarket food and other fast foods your body begins to store all of the toxins and chemicals. These toxins can affect your body in many ways. I will say that, for my wife and me, the last two years of having our own garden have been not only extremely healthy but fun and mouth watering, as well. I had no idea that there is a system to growing a backyard garden, which entailed more than simply planting a bunch of seeds, watering and weeding. We struggled for a few years before we discovered the secret to growing an organic garden. I am sure that we are healthier for it. However, the taste is extraordinary, and, I promise, will be the first thing you notice.

I wish that we knew what we know now the first garden we planted. There is indeed a correct way of doing anything, and planting seeds is no exception. For example, I had no idea that the soil needs to be properly prepared, and that there are organic fertilizers that should be used. There are many dangers you should be aware of, including what exactly should be done with those pesky weeds. I found everything we needed to know in a guide quite appropriately named, My Organic Food Garden. Absolutely everything you need to know about organic gardening at home can be found in this guide. This book was written so that the absolute beginner can setup a professional quality garden without the headaches.


Everything that I have shown you I have researched and, for your convenience put all the information in one place. My web site Possibly GREEN gives clear insight and accurate reviews of the top online green living resources available. Besides information on the four main categories I have suggested, there are green money making opportunities as well as a guide to finding green jobs in your area. Also you will find a list of free going green resources, including Green Forums, where you can join a free like-minded community.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Learn to Grow Your Own Organic Food Garden


Why Organic Food is More Expensive

Most people believe that because organic food is all naturally grown and thus better for us, it is more expensive. There are no chemicals or pesticides used so it should cost less. That makes perfect sense doesn’t it? Well the frightening truth is organic foods are more expensive because organic farms are not government subsidized, as the chemically laden agriculture industry is. Food shortages during the aftermath of world War II, caused many governments, including the U.S., to start subsidizing the use of growth hormones and other chemicals in farming. At the time the world needed food as fast as possible, and with the help of chemistry we prevented starvation and famine in Europe and other war stricken areas.

What started as a noble cause, however, has over decades proven to have overstayed its welcome. Huge rotting surpluses of food since the 1970’s has confirmed that production from intensive farming is not working. Today our food contains not only growth hormones, but an arsenal of toxic chemicals in the form of pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, fertilizers and a whole host of other toxic artificial additives, flavorings, colorings and preservatives. Modern agriculture is like the junkie who has to take a pill to stay alert, and than pops another to get some sleep. We have flooded our food with so many chemicals that we need more chemicals to get some taste and color back. Let us not forget that these additives are bad for you as well.

Here is to a Healthy Life

How to Get Healthy Affordable Food
So for those of you who can afford to pay extra for food that is better, more tasty, and abundant in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, here’s to a healthy life. For those of you who are just happy when your favorite grocery store has a sale, trusting that what you are buying is good for you, there is hope. After years of eating supermarket food and other fast foods your body begins to store all of the toxins and chemicals. These toxins can affect your body in many ways. Unless you live on a farm or have access to one, the chance of you procuring naturally fed meat and poultry is very slim, unless you are willing or able to pay the extra price. Your fruits and vegetables are a very different story however. The First Lady has made planting and growing your own garden, fashionable again. I will say that, for my wife and me, the last two years of having our own garden have been fun and mouth watering. I had no idea that there is a system to growing a backyard garden, which entailed more than simply planting a bunch of seeds, watering and weeding. We struggled for a few years before we discovered the secret to growing an organic garden. I am sure that we are healthier for it. However, the taste is extraordinary , and, I promise, will be the first thing you notice.

You can Be Eating Healthy Again

Grow Your Garden Right the First Time
I wish that we knew what we know now the first garden we planted. There is indeed a correct way of doing anything, and planting seeds is no exception. For example, I had no idea that the soil needs to be properly prepared, and that there are organic fertilizers that should be used. There are many dangers you should be aware of, including what exactly should be done with those pesky weeds. I found everything we needed to know in a guide quite appropriately named, My Organic Food Garden. Absolutely everything you need to know about organic gardening at home can be found in this guide. This book was written so that the absolute beginner can setup a professional quality garden without the headaches.

If you have been thinking of going green, this is as green as it gets. You will not only be saving the planet, but with the money you save, you’ll have no trouble being able to afford the natural meats and poultry, if that is your desire. I don’t profess to being an expert, but I have put together, along with this guide, the best online instructional information on green living ideas, all on one site. Possibly GREEN has reviews on do-it-yourself subjects like:
Alternative Energy - Solar and Wind
Car Conversion Bio-fuels, Electric, HHO
Green Forums-join a free like-minded community
When you check out My Organic Food Garden be sure to look up
Zero Chemicals-Learn how to rid your home of toxic cleaning products, and replace them with equally efficient all natural products.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Green Living Ideas...Save Your Life With Zero Chemicals


Chemical Free Living for Life

I can remember back when the experts said aerosol cans were ripping a hole in the ozone layer. Many of these cans have been replaced by squirt bottles that seem to stop working, when there is still a quarter of the liquid chemical remaining. The point is, we are still using the chemicals. Recent studies prove those cleaning products are hazardous to our health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste. Believe me when I say, I am not trying to scare, but merely inform. Of the roughly 17,000 chemicals found in common household products, only 3 in 10 have been tested for their effects on human health.


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency responsible for the safety of consumers, does not require manufacturers to test household cleaning products before they appear on store shelves. So we as the consumer must rely on the label to get any pertinent information about safety and health hazards. They are only required to provide hazard symbols, such as "poison" and "flammable," and must give information about first aid treatments for those ingredients. Marketing and advertising gimmicks are not proof of the safety of the household products. It is their function to come up with words and phrases that will promote their product. So words like “natural” don’t have anything to do with the safety of the product, and phrases like “eco-friendly, and “environmentally safe” have no real meaning, other than to sell their products to unsuspecting consumers who only bother to read the pretty part of the label.

Your Own Chemical Warfare

A Few Tips to Fight Back
There are things you can do immediately to stem this chemical tide. For the next time you go shopping, here are a few green tips that will help you and the planet to a healthier future.

1. If a product is making cleaning too easy there might be a reason for it. If you are not using any elbow grease, you should be a little weary. Chemicals from these cleaning products have been known to emit fumes even while being stored.

2. Remember those aerosol cans are still around. People who use air fresheners in excess should know that they contain synthetic fragrances, whose chemical make up has been linked to cancer in rodents.

3.Most dish and detergent soaps are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable synthetic resource, another good reason to go with formulas that are plant-based, biodegradable and contain no phosphates. Your fabric sheets that have “fragrance” on their label, means that they are also petroleum based.

Zero Chemicals Are Possible

Help Is Just a Click Away
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.

These are just some samples of the incredible knowledge gained from these guides. The list goes on and on. I don’t have time obviously, to go into all the benefits these guides provide, however at my site Possibly GREEN, you can find this under the Green Guidance section. Feel free to browse. I have reviews on the top online green resources, on such things as: Renewable Energy, Car Conversion, How to Grow an Organic Garden, and even a guide to help you find green jobs in your area.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

PV Panel...Affordable Photovoltaic Systems


Solar Efficiency Has Increased

If you are researching PV panels, you are someone that knows something about solar energy. For those of you who aren’t quite certain, I will save you a search of an online definition. PV is short for Photovoltaic, and according to Wikipedia, is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting solar energy (sunlight, including ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. There is no need to go into the history of solar energy, accept to point out the advancements in the last five years. The development of transistor and accompanying semiconductor technology, has drastically increased photovoltaic power and efficiency. Today, commonly available solar panels are 12% efficient, which is four times greater than only a few years ago. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. You must determine what those needs are. What I mean is, are you just planning on heating your water, or perhaps looking at producing enough energy to meet your entire electrical needs? Are you going off grid, or thinking about selling the excess energy back to the power company?

Let the Sun Point the Way

Photovoltaic Power and You
The obvious reason for considering solar is fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy. You should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Did you know that the small amount that hits your roof, greatly surpasses all the energy that is transported through the utility company electric wires? That is the reason many people who have switched over to solar power, either go off grid, or sell back to the utility companies for a profit. Here is another fact that will astound you. The entire total of fossil fuels on Earth can be matched by the solar energy output of the sun on Earth, in less than three days.

Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. As stated, the average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.

You Can Build a PV Panel

Do-It-Yourself and Save Thousands
The cost of PV Panels and a complete solar energy power installation can run into the tens of thousands if left in the hands of contractors. There is a viable option that will save you tens of thousands of dollars. I am referring to making this a do-it-yourself project. There are kits available that will cut your cost in half. Even better than that there are online instructional guides that will walk you through the entire process step by step, and slash the price down to about $200.00 per panel. For those of you who don’t have either the time or the inclination to do it all yourself, I might suggest that you take advantage of the current work shortage by hiring a couple of competent handymen to construct the entire project. I bet with the right instructions, you could bring it in for a tenth of the original estimate.

My own extensive research has helped me narrow down the best of the best instructional guides, complete with blueprints, photos, for that do-it-yourself solar and/or wind power project you might be considering. Obviously, I can’t go into great detail in this article, but if I have piqued your interest, you can get all the facts of this or many other ideas on how to go green at my site
Possibly GREEN. There you’ll find the right ways to live a greener life, including information on how to convert your car inexpensively, and even find green jobs in your area.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Go Off Grid...Your Very Own Renewable Energy


The Sun and Wind Your Only Choices

There are legitimate reasons to go off grid. Anyone who lives in very rural or remote areas, knows to well about the advantages and disadvantages of going off grid. The costs of local utilities are so high, in most cases it is not a question of going green but rather a purely financial one. Whatever your reason for researching off grid power, your options have now turned green. Solar and/or wind energy are the only options available in this case. Your best bet is solar, unless the area you are looking into is a windy one. Even in that case, I still recommend that solar power be your main source of off grid energy. Did you know that the small amount that hits your roof, greatly surpasses all the energy that is transported through the utility company electric wires? That is the reason many people who have switched over to solar power, either go off grid, or sell back to the utility companies for a profit. It is for that reason, installation of a proper system can more than handle all your electricity needs.

There is a reason I prefer solar to wind, when it comes to household energy requirements. Both solar panels and wind turbine rotors are considered to be a form of a collector. Naturally one can see that the area of just one solar panel is much greater than the surface of a small wind rotor with a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. While both offer a renewable non- polluting source of energy, it should be noted that solar has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. To properly access wind flow and generate enough electricity, wind turbines are installed on high towers that rise above any trees or surrounding buildings. It is advisable to get your neighbors permission before installing such a structure. For whatever reason you chose not to have a high enough tower, it won’t matter when it comes to generating adequate energy. It is better not to install a wind turbine in the first place, rather than to not have it high enough. There is simply little energy in low winds that you can convert into usable electricity.

The Sun Will Always Shine

Off Grid Solar Is the Future
Today we are finally realizing that the future of the Earth depends on weaning mankind off of petroleum and other fossil fuels. Here is another fact that will astound you. The entire total of fossil fuels on Earth can be matched by the solar energy output of the sun on Earth, in less than three days. It is not politics and greed alone that has kept us from pursuing solar energy until recent times. The technology for home solar has greatly improved. It started in the mid 1970's, with the advancements in Photovoltaic applications. Photovoltaic, also referred to as PV, is according to Wikipedia, the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting solar energy (sunlight, including ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. The development of transistor and accompanying semiconductor technology, has drastically increased photovoltaic power and efficiency. Today, commonly available solar panels are 12% efficient, which is four times greater than only a few years ago.

Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.

Let the Sun Free You From the Grid

Do-It- Yourself and Save
There is another misconception that needs clearing up. You should know is that contrary to popular belief, residential solar installation is very affordable. You don’t need to hire a builder or solar contractor, which could run you tens of thousands of dollars. With the correct instruction and guidance you can do-it-yourself. You must be careful however, because many instructional books and guides are confusing and have complicated diagrams. So before getting started you must find the correct step-by-step instructions. You don't need to be a builder. Anybody can make solar panels. It's really quite easy to make solar panels once you know a few industry secrets. You must make sure that the guide you chose has step by step instruction, detailed diagrams, plenty of pictures and video teaching aids.

So how much will it actually cost to make your own solar panels? You can, with the right instruction, build your solar panels for less than $200 each. I suggest that if you don’t have the time or you’re just not willing to put in the effort, you can hire a couple of competent handy men to implement the project, and still save thousands. Real people, not corporations, have come up with efficient and extremely affordable programs that walk you through step by step instructions, on how to build and install renewable energy for your home.

My own extensive research has helped me narrow down the best of the best instructional guides, complete with blueprints, photos, and in the case of my number one choice, video for that do-it-yourself solar power and/or wind turbine project you might be considering. Obviously, I can’t go into great detail in this article, but if I have piqued your interest, you can get all the facts of this or many other ideas on how to go green at my site Possibly GREEN. There you’ll find the right ways to live a greener life, including information on how to convert your car inexpensively, and even find green jobs in your area.

Electricity Bill... Affordable Solar Makes it Vanish


One Less Piece of Paper to Recycle

If you are planning to go off grid or even sell back energy you don’t use, there are some facts you should know about solar power. The first thing you should determine is how much of your electricity you want a solar energy system to produce. Because it is less expensive if, for example, you just want it to heat your water. The answer to this gives you a good idea of how many solar panels it will take to accomplish your needs. Does your roof have direct access to the sun’s rays, and if so, how large an area? Did you know that the small amount that hits your roof, greatly surpasses all the energy that is transported through the utility company electric wires? It is for that reason that the proper system can more than handle all your electricity needs. Here is another fact that will astound you. The entire total of fossil fuels on Earth can be matched by the solar energy output of the sun on Earth, in less than three days.

Before we tread into the idea of designing the perfect system for your solar energy needs, you must first understand what it is that the system entails. A solar panel is merely a collector. So the amount of area you have will determine how much energy is produced. It is for this reason that the recent advancements in Photovoltaic applications become so important. Photovoltaic, also referred to as PV, is according to Wikipedia, the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting solar energy (sunlight, including ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. The development of transistor and accompanying semiconductor technology, has drastically increased photovoltaic power and efficiency. Today, commonly available solar panels are 12% efficient, which is four times greater than only a few years ago.

Your Future in the Sun

Photovoltaic Power and You
The obvious reason for considering solar is fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy. You should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.

There Are Cost Saving Options

You Do Not Need a Builder
So now if you have decided to seriously look into solar power for your home, there are some guides available to help you save thousands of dollars, by doing it yourself. You must be careful however, because many instructional books and guides are confusing and have complicated diagrams. So before getting started you must find the correct step-by-step instructions. You don't need to be a builder. Anybody can make solar panels. It's really quite easy to make solar panels once you know a few industry secrets. You must make sure that the guide you chose has step by step instruction, detailed diagrams, plenty of pictures and video teaching aids.

So, how much will it actually cost, to make your own solar panels? You can, with the right instruction, build your solar panels for less than $200 each. I suggest that if you don’t have the time or you’re just not willing to put in the effort, you can hire a couple of competent handy men to implement the project, and still save thousands. Real people, not corporations, have come up with efficient and extremely affordable programs that walk you through step by step instructions, on how to build and install renewable energy for your home.

My own extensive research has helped me narrow down the best of the best instructional guides, complete with blueprints, photos, and in the case of my number one choice, video for that do-it-yourself solar power project you might be considering. Obviously, I can’t go into great detail in this article, but if I have piqued your interest, you can get all the facts of this or many other ideas on how to go green at my site Possibly GREEN. There you’ll find the right ways to live a greener life, including information on how to convert your car inexpensively, and even find green jobs in your area.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Renewable Energy...Make the Sun and Wind Work for You


Mankind is Addicted to Fossil Fuel


As a nation we have had our chances to promote alternative energy in the past. For mostly political and financial reasons
we have been left with, petroleum and its derivatives, natural gas, and coal, as our energy choices, with natural gas being the only so called clean alternative. Almost every attempt to break from the grasp of fossil fuels has been met with extreme opposition. From the beginning politics and greed has molded our future in regards to energy.

When Henry Ford's Model T was first built, it came in a variation that allowed the driver to switch the carburetor to run the engine on farm-made ethyl alcohol. Most farms at that time were equipped with stills so this allowed the driver to refuel when needed. This did not sit well with John D. Rockefeller, who had even backed Ford financially. His Standard Oil Company had a monopoly on gasoline and he wanted all automobiles to run on it. Ford and the rest of the industry just wanted to sell their autos to everyone, and the most readily available fuel was distilled alcohol. What Rockefeller did next was brilliant. His actions however, would change the entire history of not just the United States but the entire world, leading to the energy and security problems of today.

Rockefeller saw an opportunity to take advantage of the Alcohol Temperance Movement that had been trying to limit the use of alcohol for more than 25 years. He gave the equivalent of $60million in today's dollars to an obscure group pushing for the complete elimination of alcohol called the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Rockefeller took a stand against alcohol and turned what was essentially a local effort to curb consumption into a national movement that eventually led to prohibition. He made sure that the bill included anything distilled, alcoholic or not. Thus making sure that all vehicles would run on his gasoline. His greed has brought us to where we are today.

You Can Harness the Power of the Sun and Wind

Our Future Must Be a Clean One
Today we are finally realizing that the future of the Earth depends on weaning mankind off of petroleum and other fossil fuels. So does alternative energy make sense for the average household? Only you can decide what is right for you. Determine how much your energy bill is and how cost effective a renewable energy system will cost. I can tell you that regardless of what you have heard, or even have been quoted, solar and/or wind is more affordable than you think. I will cover that shortly, but first, let us explore the advantages and disadvantages of installing a workable renewable energy system.

The obvious reason for considering solar is fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy. You should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.


Small wind turbines are designed for individual homes, farms, and small businesses, and are electric generators that utilize wind energy to produce clean, emissions-free renewable power. They are defined as having rated capacities of up to 100 kilowatts. So if you were thinking that one wind generator will power your house, I’m sorry but it won’t. Keep in mind that the wind turbine is simply a collector just like a solar panel is. In this case the collector is the spinning rotor, made up of a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. Small blades result in a small rotor diameter, which translates into a small collector area, which further translates into small amounts of generated electricity.

To properly access wind flow and generate enough electricity, wind turbines are installed on high towers that rise above any trees or surrounding buildings. Your roof top might not be the right place unless a tower is utilized. It is advisable to get your neighbors permission before installing such a structure. For whatever reason you chose not to have a high enough tower, it won’t matter when it comes to generating adequate energy. It is better not to install a wind turbine in the first place, rather than to not have it high enough. There is simply little energy in low winds that you can convert into usable electricity.

The Cost Cannot be to Great

Do-It-Yourself and Save
The cost of both solar and wind power installation can run into the tens of thousands if left in the hands of contractors. I mentioned a viable option that will save you tens of thousands of dollars. I am referring to making this a do-it-yourself project. There are kits available that will cut your cost in half. Even better than that there are online instructional guides that will walk you through the entire process step by step. For those of you who don’t have either the time or the inclination to do it all yourself, I might suggest that you take advantage of the current work shortage by hiring a couple of competent handymen to construct the entire project. I bet with the right instructions, you could bring it in for a tenth of the original estimate.

My own extensive research has helped me narrow down the best of the best instructional guides, complete with blueprints, photos, for that do-it-yourself wind and/or solar power project you might be considering. Obviously, I can’t go into great detail in this article, but if I have piqued your interest, you can get all the facts of this or many other ideas on how to go green at my site
Possibly GREEN. There you’ll find the right ways to live a greener life, including information on how to convert your car inexpensively, and even find green jobs in your area.