Steven Magill asked:


is the price of gas rising ever higher each day, but we must also take into consideration the pollution that cars emit and the damage it does to the environment. Those that want to live a greener lifestyle can do so by first finding alternative fuel cars that will be kinder to the global environment and their pockets as well.

The New Science of Alternative Fuel Cars

Alternative fuel cars are being tested at present to ease the dependence on petroleum. An alternative fuel vehicle can be one that produces less pollution or it can focus on sustainable energy sources. This lessens our need to import fuel from the unstable region of the Middle East and also addresses global warming issues that are at the forefront of many governments at this time.

An added bonus in looking into alternative fuel cars in the United States is the Federal tax incentives the government is offering to those citizens that purchase alternative fuel vehicles that qualify according to their standards.

What are Alternative Fuels?

One alternative fuel you may be hearing much about in the news is ethanol. Ethanol is being produced in the U.S. and it comes from crops such as corn. It is said to produce less emission and greenhouse gases than the conventional fuel sources we now use. There is much debate over the use of ethanol as it takes energy in order to produce it and the facts are still up in the air about whether it is truly worth the cost and effort to produce.

Biodiesel is another popular alternative fuel source. It comes from animal fat and vegetable oil. It is said to produce less pollution than conventional diesel fuel that is based on petroleum. Willy Nelson, the famous crooner of country ballads is a huge advocate of using biodiesel for alternative fuel cars.

Natural gas is said to generate less pollution into the air as well as a smaller amount of greenhouse gases. There are not many alternative fuel cars that run on natural gas at present but with the leaps and bounds in science, it is only a matter of time before this may be a viable fossil fuel alternative to petroleum.

Hydrogen is a versatile source for alternative fuel cars. It can be produced from a number of fossil fuel sources such as nuclear power, coal and other sources of renewable energies. Hydropower fuel cell cars are powered by hydrogen and do not let off any harmful pollutants into the air.

What You Can Do

The average consumer can find alternative fuel cars in a variety of ways. Doing the proper research on the best alternative fuel cars for the money they have to spend is one of the best ways to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and to make positive changes that will address global warming and climate change. It takes a village to raise a child the old saying goes, but it also takes that same village to make changes in the way we handle our fuel needs.



DESIREE

Akhil Shahani asked:


Social responsibility towards the environment is fast becoming part of the business psyche of our society. Starting with the big guns who call it “corporate responsibility” to smaller companies pursuing eco friendly processes, there is a new sensitivity in the way businesses are run. The small entrepreneur is not to be left behind either, with a number of sustainable enterprises taking birth in this era of environmental consciousness.

There is no arguing that having respect for our surroundings is the right thing to do; but did you know that it’s also the smarter option? In the long run, it will save precious resources and possibly prevent calamitous occurrences. No wonder, organizations are taking to it in a big way. As an entrepreneur, you could do your bit to support the cause, or even better, make a business out of several options of sustainable enterprises.

Seeking inspiration? Look no further, for we have a range of ideas on sustainable enterprises you could make your own!

Work with recycled paper: You could set an example conserving trees by starting an eco- friendly recycled paper business. You could include greeting cards, paper mache items such as wall hangs, Easter eggs, pencil holders and paper bags in your repertoire. Use your creativity to design them and package attractively; coupled with the go-green motto, you will see your sales soar. You could also run classes to teach people craft using recycled paper,

Let nature do the talking: Tourism is big all over. You will always find people who’d like to take a trip to the countryside; hills; forests or anyplace where nature is in full bloom. Zero in on your favorite tourist spot and start an adventure enterprise. Your initial capital commitment might be higher but so are the returns. Be different from the others in the business and adopt an eco-friendly approach; talk against littering, include only biodegradable items in your travel pack, inform them about nature’s wondrous ways….



G(r)O(w) organic: This could be a refreshing alternative to all the junk food that abounds. Turn the public’s health consciousness to your advantage by growing organic food. Even what you grow in your backyard could fetch you big profits. Market your business through pamphlets professing the pros of eating healthy.

Capture nature at her best: You could translate your interest in nature photography into a sustainable enterprise. Use the photographs to make calendars or just sell them as portraits. you will find valuable resources to help you step into the field.

Enter the realm of power: Solar energy is the next big thing! The world is fast running out of resources and governments everywhere are trying to get everybody under the sky to install solar panels in their homes. The scope is enormous and you could play your part anywhere in the industry, from manufacturing to marketing! Learn more about the potential of this field through “Survey of the Emerging Solar Energy Industry” by J.A. Bereny, F. de Winter.

Start a website: If technical stuff is your forte, you could design a website dealing with the environment. Make it interesting by offering online courses, other ideas on starting sustainable enterprises, eco-friendly products, books etc. There is a lot of money to be made in this business and a quick stop will tell you how to make some of it your own.

“Ethical Money: How to Invest in Sustainable Enterprises” by John Hancock, and “Sustainable Enterprise: Profiting from Best Practice “by Christopher Stephen Brown, are other good resources on the subject.

When it comes to sustainable enterprises you will never run out of options, even the lemonade you sold in grade three falls under this category. What’s more, they also offer you a chance to make a real difference to our planet!



LYNDON

Glady Reign asked:


Last January 31, 2006, President George W. Bush outlined his plan for the widespread use of alternative fuels in the country. In his State of the Union Address last month, he announced a proposed mandate that 35 billion gallons of ethanol be produced until the year 2017. He also proposed to reduce the amount of emissions of greenhouse gasses by as much as 20 percent by the year 2017. Out of the 35 billion gallons mandated to be produced, 15 billion gallons of ethanol will come from starch while the 20 billion gallons will be from cellulose or cellulosic ethanol.

Cellulosic ethanol is a type of ethanol which comes from cellulose. This is different from the normal ethanol which comes from sugars and starches. This kind of ethanol is what Novozymes are helping to develop. The company has developed an enzyme cocktail that makes the mass production of cellulose ethanol possible. This technology is a better alternative to normal ethanol since the production of the latter causes the increase in the price of corn. This is because cellulosic ethanol comes from biomass including wastes from urban, agricultural, and forestry sources. In the production of this type of ethanol, no toxic emissions are generated which makes it a better alternative than other fuels.

Novozymes recently received a very distinguished guest - the President himself. Bush toured the facility’s laboratories and he also did pose for pictures with the workers of the company. The visit of the President at the facility is a part of his effort to boost the morale of those working in the alternative fuel industry. Aside from the financial support of the administration in the form of $2 billion aid in the funding of cellulosic ethanol plants, he also provides moral support though his visits to those plants such as that one in Novozymes.

The use of ethanol as fuel for cars in the United States is a part of the administration’s effort to address the problem of global warming. Ethanol is a good substitute to gasoline since it burns cleaner than gasoline. The only thing to consider about the use of ethanol as fuel is its corrosive nature. Without fortification, engine parts like Volvo 240 parts will be corroded. To combat this corrosive nature of ethanol, car manufacturers and engine designers fortify different components of the car to take on the corrosive nature of ethanol.

With the increasing awareness of the global community towards addressing the global warming issue, the United States is on its track towards making a difference. The country has been criticized in the past for being one of the major causes of the destruction of the environment. With the steps being taken by the government and the private sector, alternative fuels like ethanol will one day be the most commonly used fuel by the majority on US roads. Aside from the development of ethanol as the fuel of the future, US agencies are also developing biodiesel for use of vehicles equipped with a diesel engine. Aside from these two alternative fuels, the US market is also being flooded with hybrid cars which also reduce the dependency of the country on imported oil fossil fuels.

President Bush’s commitment to the development of alternative fuel is a great boost for the industry. With the government’s backing, more and more alternative fuels can be produced which will result to cleaner emission by vehicles. The development of these alternative fuels can also increase the number of employed person in the country. It would also decrease the dependency of the country on other countries which produce oil and then later on export them to the US.



PAM

Jerick Brooks asked:


Most emission testing centers today check four pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxide (NOX) and the “evaporative emissions”.

Do you have an old car like a Plymouth Voyager? You are probably concerned with what is emits since your Plymouth exhaust is already quite old and it might emit undesirable colored gasses.

You need to know these emitted dangerous gases to eventually know the right way of maintaining your old exhaust system like the Plymouth exhaust system and avoiding these gases at the same time.

Carbon monoxide is the deadliest among pollutants. You cannot see it nor smell it. A concentration of only half a percent (0.5%) CO in the air can make a person unconscious and kill within 10 to 15 minutes. Even very small amount of concentrations as four hundredths of a percent (0.04%) can cause headaches and be life threatening after several hours of exposure.

Never run an engine inside an enclosed garage. Since this is a gas, it diffuses very fast that you cannot even count the seconds of its diffusion. If engine is run inside an enclosed area, chances are 75 percent of carbon dioxide particles are stocked in that area; so you can easily inhale it. Remember that this gas is invisible and odorless. You cannot really tell when it is around.

It is formed when the fuel mixture is rich and there is insufficient oxygen to completely burn all the fuel. Carbon monoxide and fuel mixture has a direct proportionality, which means the richer the fuel mixture, the greater the quantity of CO produced. So high CO emissions indicate incomplete combustion typically caused by several maladjustments.

When the engine is first started, carbon monoxide production is highest because the fuel mixture is richer than normal during this time and the catalytic converter has not yet reached operating temperature. It is therefore the time when it is most dangerous.

Despite these thrilling facts, emission of carbon monoxide can be minimized. By maintaining a balanced to slightly lean fuel mixture, CO is reduced. This just requires careful adjustments on the carburetor idle mixture screws.

Hydrocarbon emissions are unburned gasoline and oil vapors. Though not directly harmful, they are a major contributor to smog and ozone pollution (which are toxic). Hydrocarbons in the atmosphere react with sunlight and break down to form other chemical compounds that irritate the eyes, nasal passages, throat and lungs.

HC emissions, which are usually measured in parts per million (PPM), can go up as a result of a fouled plug or bad plug wire, incorrect carburetor idle adjustment or vacuum leaks that creates a lean mixture that misfires, loss of compression such as a burned or leaky exhaust valve, or engine wear that causes the engine to burn oil Engine wear include the wearing of valve guides, rings and/or cylinders.

Hydrocarbon emissions are controlled in three different ways. One is by maintaining the fuel mixture so it is neither too lean nor too rich to ignite. The second one is by keeping the combustion chamber tightly sealed, and lastly by maintaining the ignition system or changing the plugs periodically. HC that is produced in the engine is burned again in the catalytic converter and changed into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

Nitrogen comprises the most percentage of the air we breathe; about 78 percent. Though normally inert and not directly involved in the combustion process, combustion temperatures above 2500 degrees F cause nitrogen and oxygen to combine and form various compounds called “nitrogen oxide”. This mostly occurs when the engine is under load and the throttle is open wide.

Nitrogen oxide can cause irritations in the eye, nose and lungs, headaches and irritability. Higher concentrations can cause bronchitis and they oftentimes aggravate other lung disorders leading to death. Once released in the atmosphere, it reacts with oxygen to form ozone (which is also toxic to breathe) and smog.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is used to reduce the formation of NOX. By circulating again a small amount of exhaust gas back into the intake manifold to dilute the air/fuel mixture, EGR has a “cooling” effect on combustion. This, in turn, puts temperatures below the NOX formation threshold.

High NOX emissions are often times due to a defective EGR valve or some component that controls the operation of the EGR valve. A related sign that usually occurs when EGR is lost is spark knock or detonation while accelerating.

Last of the four pollutants, but still dangerous, are the “evaporative emissions” (EM). EM control system that captures and holds vapors from your fuel tank. The fuel vapors that evaporate from your fuel tank can be another source of smog and ozone pollution. To avoid vapor loss, car manufacturers seal fuel systems for the past twenty years.

The amount of pollution adds up, especially during hot weather, so it is important to make sure the system is functioning properly.



JULIUS

dramaqueenkathy asked:


I just want to know for a project the effect of the going green process and how we are distroying our planet and why we are going green? Also how has going green saved our planet?

CLAIR

Victor Garlington asked:


Fuel cost are rising at record highs around the world. Scientist and entrepreneurs are searching for solutions that will ease the pain at the gas pump. Alternative fuels are the answer, with options for the masses.

1. Fuel cost

Fuel Cost are higher than ever, the world is now searching for alternative solutions to the high demand and high price of petroleum based fuel.

2. Making Biodiesel at Home

People have looked at making biodiesel at home as an extreme alternative to commercially available fuel. This is no longer the case, as fuel prices have skyrocketed making Biodiesel at home is now much easier with the available kits that can be purchased. Residential Biodiesel kits and entry-level commercial production systems are now widely available. Companies like www.70centsagallon.com offers a variety of options to meet the budget and needs of everyone. The use of these systems ranges from the Cummins diesel engine owner to commercial fleet and maintenance managers. They all are looking for a safe, easy and effective solution to relieve the cost of high diesel fuel.

3. Trucks

Any truck with a diesel engine can use Biodiesel safely and economically with Biodiesel that is made on-site by its owner operator. No matter if you have a Ford, Dodge, Chevy or foreign diesel truck, they all can benefit from the use of Biodiesel. Truck owners cannot tell the difference in performance and state their vehicles have more power and run better with less noise.

Commercial truck owners are now converts to the benefits of Biodiesel as seen at www.biotrucker.com.

Alternative fuels offer multiple solutions to serve the needs of the world. Necessity has forced new innovations around the world, to include using garbage, H20, used cooking oil and algae for new fuel sources. This generation will make a difference in the next few years with new technologies that will help mother earth be a greener planet for us all.

Victor Garlington has been a long proponent of bio-fuels and produces bio-fuel for his own vehicles. He is currently helping others discover alternative fuels as a solution to high fuel prices. He can be contacted at victor@70centsagallon.com

 

 



MOHAMED

Michele Bongiorni asked:


As we all know, global warming and greenhouse emissions are on the top of the list among today’s major issues.  With the deterioration of Arctic ice caps and the frenzy for more crude oil, we need to start looking at alternative fuels.  One of the top alternative fuels is propane, a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining.

According to the Propane Education & Research Council, “propane provides great value because it burns hotter and more efficiently than many other energy sources”. Statistics show that:

A propane furnace can heat air up to 25 degrees warmer Propane gives off less than half of the greenhouse emissions compared to electricity  Propane appliances have a shorter energy savings payback period

(© 2008 by the Propane Education & Research Council)

 Many household appliances already use propane including clothes dryers, fireplaces, furnaces, grills, generators, pool heaters, space heaters, and more. Your propane furnace can last up to 20 years whereas electric pumps usually only last up to 12 years.  It is also cheaper to repair propane gas furnaces than electric heaters. Propane fueled space heaters are 99.9 efficient and have oxygen depletion sensors that shut the unit off if oxygen levels become too low. Thus creating a safer environment in the household.  In your lifetime, using propane gas water heaters can save homeowners up to $2,000 more than electric water heaters. Think of all the things you can use that money for especially with today’s economic hardships. Propane fueled fireplaces emit 40 times fewer emissions than wood burning fireplaces and also cost a lot less to operate.

 So, why not use propane? Approximately 8.1 million households now utilize propane creating more cost effective uses for everyday appliances. Think of all the benefits of turning to propane: a better environment for our children in the future and more money we can save right now. It’s time to start taking responsibility for the future of our environment. 

 

Resources:

Propane Education & Research Council www.propanecouncil.org

National Propane Gas Association www.npga.org



JAME

Jason Duke asked:


People are becoming more conscious about the products they’re buying and how these products are made. That’s why manufacturers are creating styles crafted from sustainable resources. From sport shirts to fleece to accessories, eco-friendly products are a welcome alternative that are designed to work in harmony with nature. When you purchase a product that is organic, recycled or produced in an environmentally friendly manner then you have voted with your dollars and helped create a demand for alternative products. Eco Friendly products really is a fledgling part of the apparel industry it will take time to make it to the mainstream in a more profound way, but as time goes on more products will be available for the environmentally conscious consumer.

Eco Friendly Clothing is all the rage these days and with the goings on in the world, economy and our daily lives eco friendly apparel makes sense. Organic clothing and recycled clothing are nice ways to treat out earth in a friendly manner and at the same time be fashionable and hip with your friends. The styles available range from plain white t-shirts, polo shirts and hats made of bamboo, and apparel created with recycled plastic bottles. As with anything there are downsides to eco friendly clothing such as it a little more expensive for consumer, but when compared to the upside the argument for more organic clothing is strong. I am quite sure as this catches on the prices will come down.

Eco Friendly Apparel is designed for healthy, active lifestyles and people who care about the environment and society enough to be conscious of the impact their clothes have on the rest of the world. Each of us leaves a footprint behind while we live our lives on planet earth and it is truly thoughtful to try to leave it as you found it. We as a species have a long way to go concerning the health of the earth. Just think that every little act does count and it does add up over time. We can reverse the downtrend in the degradation of humanities greatest possession – planet earth.

Made from natural and fair-trade materials like soy, organic cotton, bamboo, and leather-alternatives, clothing and accessories are eco-conscious, socially responsible and stylish at the same time. Be kind to our planet - buy eco friendly clothing.

Types of clothing

Bamboo fabric is created from the bamboo pulp. It does not need chlorine to bleach it and it can be dyed easily with minimal water requirements. Fabrics that do not dye easily are often treated with harsh chemicals and much more water, so an organic fabric that dyes easy is generally better for the environment.

Organic cotton is much more environmentally friendly than the traditional variety as it uses no pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides during the growing cycle. There are many growers of this crop, and the number is steadily increasing.

Recycled Fleece has many benefits for the environment and economy. Benefits include lessening of our dependence on oil (foreign oil), reduces discarded clothing, and is generally thought to create less air, water and soil contamination. When a polyester garment reaches a landfill where they incinerate some of the garbage, polyester will create toxic emissions that will pollute the air – recycling of these garments reduce that toxic emission. Major sources for recycled polyester are discarded plastic bottles.

Interested in eco-friendly products - Eco Friendly Clothing



MCKINLEY

Vidar Lura asked:


The market of alternative fuel sources is larger today than it has ever been before. Alternative fuels are materials that are rich in energy and that can be used instead of traditional gasoline. Biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, methanol and propane can be used as alternative fuels as they contain much less harmful substances.

Using various types of alternative fuels can also help to reduce dependence on imported gasoline and improve air quality.

Alternative Fuel Conversion and Fuel Economy

Alternative fuel conversion system means both fuel economy and environmental benefits. Exceptional technical characteristics of alternative fuel converter AutoFFV allow your car to operate using ethanol fuel, gasoline or a mix of a both (E85 fuel).

The Benefits of Using Alternative Fuel Conversion System:

Savings on fuel costs.

Reduced engine corruption and servicing costs.

Vehicle originality is kept.

Most of gasoline cars can be converted to alternative fuels with no need for a new or replacement engine. Other benefits include total elimination of smoke. It also contributes to a quieter and smoother running engine. Besides the environmental benefits, combines high performance with economy, making it the best current alternative to gasoline fuels.

Alternative fuel converter will suit most of vehicles with digital multipoint electronic injection, including imported ones. It can also be removed anytime.

Make your car more valuable and powerful using alternative converter system.

What is E85?

E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. Besides its superior performance characteristics, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline; it is a completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuel that enhances the nation’s economy and energy independence.

Today, the U. S. imports more than half of its oil and overall consumption continues to increase. By supporting ethanol production and use, U.S. drivers can help reverse that trend. 85% ethanol can reduce pollution. Government tests have shown that E85 vehicles reduce harmful hydrocarbon and benzene emissions when compared to vehicles running on gasoline. E85 can also reduce carbon dioxide (CO2), a harmful greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming.

Although CO2 is released during ethanol production and combustion, it is recaptured as a nutrient to the crops that are used in its production. Unlike fossil fuel combustion, which unlocks carbon that has been stored for millions of years, use of ethanol results in low increases to the carbon cycle.

Ethanol also degrades quickly in water and, therefore, poses much less risk to the environment than an oil or gasoline spill.



VON

Sheila asked:


I live in a small town, grew up hanging out clothes (even in winter). My dryer recently died and I was without one for a month, with 4 kids. So I was literally hanging out all the clothes. I don’t really mind hanging out clothes but cannot find a large, durable, clothespin bag. The one I have from Wal-mart, the only store in our area that even carries them, is made out of this weird mesh type fabric and ends up ripping. I don’t leave the bag out in the weather either. K-mart and Martha Stewart doesn’t have them, nor does anyone else. If you get a young store sales person, they don’t even act like they know what I am talking about. You would just think with everyone wanting everyone else to go green and conserve energy that you could find a clothespin bag!

CLEO