Reasons to consider placing a wind turbine on your land

Pollution and Global Warming are two of the biggest issues that should be addressed by humanity as soon as possible. In order to lessen the threats of pollution and global warming, people should switch from traditional energy sources to safe and renewable energy. Wind power is one of the safest sources of energy, thus the construction of wind turbines in many areas across the globe.

wind turbine

Common Ground – the Advantages of Community Farming

With the growth of farmed produce over the last century, brought into demand by the needs of ever-expanding multi-national companies, it has become easy for us as a worldwide population to become detached from the processes of farming. Since the mid-1960s cereal production has increased worldwide by almost a billion tonnes. The nearest many of us get to agricultural experience these days is Farmville...

community farming

Environmentally Friendly Electronics?

One of the main concerns for the environment is how each of use lives our day to day life and the effect we have on the planet around us. Whilst industry is a much bigger worry for the environment, if we do not do anything ourselves, it can easily become just as big a problem. Taking care of the environment at a personal level is very important – recycling, saving energy and reducing our carbon footprint are all things that we should be doing.

Eco electronics

Meet your Eco Garage

Sometimes having a garage is a godsend. It saves de-icing your car every morning in the winter, and stops damage from weather, other cars and other hazards. What’s also nice about a garage is that you can store something for as long as you want without the hassle of renting somewhere. Some houses come with the space for a garage with the lack of garage in this useful space, and this is where it’s a terrific idea to invest in modular storage buildings and the result they have as a garage.

eco garage

Adding Personality to Your Home

Our homes are our own personal space, our chance to express our values and personality that make us who we are. No matter where you live or how much space you have there should always be a bit of space for you to call your own and decorate accordingly. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your available space and give you some ideas to inspire your decor and hopefully rejuvenate your home. A simple yet effective way to add a bit of personality to your home is by displaying posters and prints.

Living Room

Recent Updates

Double Standards

Have you ever thought about replacing all the windows in your house? It’s not something that you generally think about but if you’ve never replaced your windows, or you’ve just moved into a new place, why would you start thinking about it now? We rarely see profit in spending a lot on something that already serves its purpose, no matter the age. Your windows provide a layer of protection and allow you to see in an out: that’s as far as some people consider their windows. For those people, what they don’t know could be costing them hundreds of pounds a year.

As any child knows from the age of 8 onwards, windows serve more purpose than decoration. A good 20% of heat generated in the house is lost through the windows alone, never mind what other precautions you take to cut down on energy bills. The environmental benefits of replacing your windows, as outlined by Envirosash here, are manifold, though I’m sure your main priority will be saving money.

I found the following video on the FAB Systems Ltd site while I was researching the standards of installation companies who specialize in double glazing. FAB are particularly good when it comes to which rooms in the house need the windows upgrading to energy saving material. The conservatory is the main contender for most homes, so you might want to think about having some of this Planitherm glass as a replacement:

 

I’m not entirely sure you’ll be inviting your friends round just to show off your new windows, but renovating your conservatory is certainly something to consider seriously. With summer on our doorstep it only makes sense to make the most of the sunshine and save as much energy as possible.

A post here from Double-Glazing Info (an extremely helpful site in this case) eliminates some of the myths surrounding window replacements including whether you need planning permission, or how to reduce condensation build up. There is no reason to consider replacing your windows until you see the benefits and eliminate the myths.

If you remain unconvinced, this post in Yahoo Voices should give you 9 more reasons to consider renovating those old, stained and cracked windows, and investing in something that will pay for itself within a very short time. If you’re struggling to find an excuse as to why you should redecorate a part of the house, just take a look at the condition of your conservatory and ask yourself how much you might be losing.

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Hazardous Waste – Explained

radioactive

Your duty of care in both business and home is to report and remove correctly any waste that may be deemed hazardous. A hazardous waste is waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of what passes as normal/non-hazardous waste in comparison to hazardous waste.

The most common examples of hazardous waste include:

  • Asbestos
  • Chemicals
  • Solvents
  • Batteries
  • Pesticides
  • Ozone depleting substances
  • Hazardous waste containers
  • Oils (non-edible)

Click here for more examples of hazardous waste.

Sometimes you may not class a certain type of waste hazardous but it may be, so if you are unsure it is always advisable to ring your local authorities for advice and assessment of any potentially hazardous waste you might have. See Gov.uk for more information on the issue.

The most important matter when it comes to hazardous waste is the correct removal and disposal of it. If you can recycle the waste then always use this as your first option as recycling allows for reuse and the correct trained employees will be in control and command of the waste materials. Other options are available such as Red Industries who are trained professionals in the removal of hazardous waste. Companies such as Red industries will have the necessary supplies and equipment to dispose and remove hazardous waste effectively and safely, and safety is the key issue when dealing with this type of waste. Such companies have access to laboratories where testing is available for any unknown substances or chemicals they may come across. This testing is important as reports can be made, and the necessary actions can be put in place to prevent the danger of the hazardous waste tested.

Our world has been affected massively by the incorrect removal and disposal of toxic or hazardous waste. Check out this article on Scientific American News explaining the mass effect toxic waste has on poorer countries as it is not disposed and controlled correctly. The facts are there, and they are shocking so it is time to consider and act on how you remove any toxic or hazardous waste from your home and business. By taking small steps to improve your waste disposal can help the environment and will make your home and business a safer place.  See the Oxford Journals on Hazardous Waste for further in-depth reading, and information on the topic.

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Cutting Down On Greenhouse Gases

Doing something as everyday as eating your lunch or dinner has a massive trail when it comes to environmental costs and emissions. Even before transporting goods, maintaining their freshness and cooking them, there is a large environmental effect which people are becoming more and more aware of.

Farms produce a lot of greenhouse gases – also known as GHG’s – and in 2011, it was estimated that the agricultural sector was responsible for around 14% of human global emissions (figure from the Carbon Disclosure Project). This wasn’t just from farmers using electricity and power, but also included gases such as methane which come from manure and composting.

farming

With this information being known, many farmers want to move to more environmentally friendly methods, but it can be difficult to find out exactly where the emissions are coming from. Most people would think that the emissions produced come from things such as tractors and other agricultural machinery. This may have been true in the past, but with new machinery comes improved efficiency. For example, farmers who use a new tractor compared to a 20 year old one may be cutting emissions from that source in half. When it comes to efficient machinery, it can help by getting equipment locally – such as from Cornthwaite AG (in the North West of England), Ralph Forsey (in the South West), or your nearest dealer which can be found online.

One new tool which is taking advantage of increased use of mobile technology is the Cool Farm Tool. It was launched last summer and aims to help farmers see where the emissions come from within their farm – letting them see where cuts and changes can be made. Information such as soil type, land use and what is done to the land are put into a simple program which creates a summary and lets farmers see potential cuts.

Projects like this can be undertaken by almost any farmer to see where emissions are greatest. They are also often encouraged by larger companies who many farmers work with. As well as letting them claim greenhouse gas cuts, it also helps people find out information about what they are buying every day.

So going back to the first point; the next meal you eat, just have a think about the journeys and processes which result in it being on your plate!

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Green Heating

Heating your home can be a costly venture, and sometimes it’s not just your pocket that gets stung. The knock on effect when it comes to the environment can be potentially devastating. It may not seem like much when you think about it on an individual level, but nationally the effect is much, much bigger. If we all just thought about the way we use energy in our homes, and did something about it, then we could end up saving both the planet and a sizeable amount of money. Check out the blog below to see how you can keep your heating bills down and your green credentials up.

Boilers
One of the first things you’ll want to do is check your boiler. Supplying almost all the heat to your house, the more efficient you can make it, the more money you’ll save, and the less damage you’ll do. It’s worth casting your eyes over www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Heating-and-hot-water/Replacing-your-boiler to see the savings replacing your boiler could net you, both financially and environmentally. If it looks as if your boiler needs replacing then you can follow that up with a trip to www.uswitch.com/boilers/guides/boiler-guide to get a great guide to compare and contrast all the different variables. Lastly, head to www.directheatingsupplies.co.uk to pick up your new energy-efficient boiler, though it might be fruitful to visit www.quotatis.co.uk too as they offer a free advice service with no obligation.

Fires
It’s no longer older houses that have fires and flues these days, as many modern builds incorporate contemporary fireplace designs as an attractive focal point. Electric fires are incredibly environmentally friendly but can often lack the je ne sais quoi of the real thing or even gas fires. If you’re set on keeping your real fire (and they do possess an inherent romantic quality that is exceedingly hard to part with) then take a look at www.energysavingsecrets.co.uk/can-open-fire-be-green.html to see what you can do to make yourself a little greener. I would also recommend perusing www.marblehill.co.uk/energy-efficient.html, as Marble Hill offer a fantastic range of eco-friendly traditional fires without sacrificing the traditional feel. However, for the truly eco-conscious, visit www.smartfireuk.com. Smartfire specialise smokeless, clean burning fires that burn bio-ethanol. This combines the romanticism of a real fire with ecological and environmental responsibility to produce greener fires without ever compromising on style or aesthetics. Check out the video below for more information.

Bits and Bobs
Boilers and fires might be the big ideas, but often people can overlook how they can help out and save money with just a few simple tricks. Invest in some draft excluders for your thresholds, as well some thick rubber weather strips to line your doors and windows. You can pick those up at www.stormguard.co.uk, followed by a quick trip to www.greenstamp.co.uk to grab some radiator foil. Radiator foil is the simple but ingenious solution to getting the most out of your radiators, as the highly reflective surface channels all the heat from the back of the radiator into the room, instead of it going to waste by seeping into the wall. For even more tips and tricks, check out www.progressgroup.org.uk/homes/newprogress/save/tips.

Heating doesn’t have to cost the earth, in more ways than one. By utilising advances in modern technology you can make the most of boilers and fires, and once you add a little common sense into the mix too you can really begin to feel the benefits without breaking the bank. Best of all you do your bit for the planet too, so it’s a really a win-win all round!

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Saving Energy On The Big 3

We could all do with saving a little here and a little there, whether for our pockets or for the planet . One of the ways we can do both is by reducing our energy bills, and all this takes is a few simple steps. Take a look at our guide below to give you some pointers on keeping your energy bills down.

Energy Bill 1Electricity
Now the days are getting longer it isn’t as necessary to have your lights on all the time, so a simple but effective method to keep energy bills down is just to leave them off altogether! Naturally, however, there are always going to be times when you need to have the light on, and so there are a few things you can do then too. Your number one priority should be getting some energy efficient bulbs installed, so visit www.ecotroniclighting.co.uk for your home or office for some greener lighting. All told, this could save you around £55 per year in the home. Have a look at this article if you want to know more: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Electricity/Lighting, and then start thinking about eco-friendly fridges and all manner of energy efficient electronics!

Water
Lowering your water bills isn’t about switching provider to save money, it’s more about regulating the amount of water you use. If you’re finding that the fixed rate you’re on is too high for your consumption, then it’s well worth considering a installing a water meter. If you take a look at www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cut-water-bills you can get a better idea on if a meter is a good idea for you and whether it will save you money. Like lighting, however, you can buy more energy efficient products to help keep costs down. Think about investing in an energy efficient showerhead to save up to 2000 gallons of water per year. Go to www.flowpoint.co.uk to learn more about how you can save up to 60% on your water bill.

Gas/Heating
How much energy you are expending here comes down to your boiler. An old boiler will end up costing you as much in monthly bills as it will in the necessary repairs, so first, you need to get your boiler assessed and service. Local tradesmen like www.wearheatingandgasservices.co.uk offer competitive rates so it’s worth investigating local plumbers in your area to get the best deal – take a trip to www.mybuilder.com/plumbers/in/uk to do just that. If you’re looking at other ways to keep your heating bills down, investing in cavity wall insulation can also be a fine choice. Take a trip to www.knaufinsulation.co.uk to look at options for internal and external wall insulation that will help make massive savings in the long run.

As the big three expenditures on energy, doing what you can to reduce your arrears can have a great impact on your finances and on the planet. Making small changes can yield big results, so think about becoming more eco-conscious today and see how much you could save.

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