Inspirational and good news.
There are so many ways to save the planet that people get overwhelmed, for those of you who are lost in the goodness please keep reading. HowStuffWorks has posted a basic list of ten things you can do to save the planet.
The list is rather simple as it includes things like recycling (who doesn’t?) and not buying bottled water.
It’s good to remind ourselves that there are simple everyday things we can do to protect the planet.
Linux, which is a free and open computer operating system can be used instead of more popular options like Apple and Microsoft Windows. We already know that Windows is a big polluter, and Apple has been criticized creatively for their lack of green policies. The alternative to these polluters is linux (my favourite linux version is Ubuntu).
To make computing even easier, a blogger has put up a list of software that is commonly pirated with a list of free and open alternatives. For example, no need to buy Microsoft Office when you can use Open Office.
Some New Zealand researchers have created a dye for solar power generation that mimics photosynthesis in plants. The dye is cheaper to use than standard photovoltaic solar panels.
Cam says:
Dr Wayne Campbell and researchers from the Nanomaterials Research Centre at Massey University in New Zealand have developed a range of coloured dyes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells. Synthetic dyes solar cells that can be used to generate electricity at one tenth of the cost of current silicon-based solar panels.
The synthetic dyes are made from simple organic compounds closely related to those found in nature. The green dye Dr Campbell is synthetic chlorophyll derived from the light-harvesting pigment plants use for photosynthesis. Other dyes being tested in the cells are based on hemoglobin, the compound that give blood its color and blue derived from blueberries. Apparently, dark-colored berries outperform most other plant species when it comes to spectral absorption of sunlight.
From the linked article:
Solar cell technology developed by the University’s Nanomaterials Research Centre will enable New Zealanders to generate electricity from sunlight at a 10th of the cost of current silicon-based photo-electric solar cells.
…
Dr Campbell says that unlike the silicon-based solar cells currently on the market, the 10x10cm green demonstration cells generate enough electricity to run a small fan in low-light conditions – making them ideal for cloudy climates. The dyes can also be incorporated into tinted windows that trap to generate electricity.
In Vancouver, a blogger of the informative DeSmogBlog saw a sign that read “Next Election I’m Voting for REAL Action on Climate Change – Please Reduce Emissions Now”. Voters Taking Action on Climate Change’ (VTACC) is a grassroots organization that is putting their vote where they live (within the climate).
VTACC are based in Vancouver, but let’s hope that they encourage other groups to start up!
His group is called ‘Voters Taking Action on Climate Change’ (VTACC) and it’s made up of a group of local neighbourhood residents who are concerned about global warming and are calling for political action on reducing emissions.
If you have ever found yourself in need of a quick pick-me-up, this tip sheet is for you!
Here are some sample tips:
6. Do a good deed: make an email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.
3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long.
