The Three Pillars of Alternative Energy

August 17, 2011 | By Articles are the property of their respective Authors In alternative energy | Comments Off

Everyone from senior citizens to young children is aware of the fact that people need to think and behave in an environmentally friendly manner. We must recycle, use fewer resources and think about the effects of our actions on the planet. This means we must find ways to employ alternative energy when and wherever possible. Today, we know that there are three pillars for alternative energy, and they are solar, wind, and bio fuel.

Most people are well aware of the incredible increase in solar energy options for a home, but not everyone knows that there are actually power plants constructed entirely of solar panels. Currently, the United States military is the owner of the world’s largest solar power plant, which supplies around 30% of the needs of one of its largest and busiest bases.

These plants require fields of collectors which can direct the light of the sun into a master collector, which in turn superheats water and converts the steam into huge amounts of energy. This, however, is not how all home solar power panels work and they can do everything from heat domestic water supplies or swimming pools, to actually generate electrical energy which is stored in banks of batteries which deliver electricity once the sun has set.

Solar is one of the most widely used options for alternative energy today, but wind power is gaining ground. Enormous turbines mounted on gigantic windmills are a fixture of many large and uninhabited areas of the world. For instance, along the many ridges of the Green Mountains of Vermont are wind farms, but also in the more remote areas of Hawaii are wind farms as well. These are now also being used by many home and farm owners who simply build or buy their own very small windmills and turbines which provide a constant supply of energy in their home or buildings. Unfortunately, unlike solar energy, wind power is only available in those locations that receive a certain, set amount of air flow every single day.

Finally, and just as promising as the other alternative energies already discussed, are the bio fuels now available for heating homes and operating cars. This is a wonderful opportunity for communities to “grow their own” energy sources and make the fuels on-site, which would continue to save resources and keep prices low. Wind farms, bio fuel and solar lights are great examples of these applications in the real world. As time passes, alternative energies will become more affordable and widely available, which means that eventually people can reduce or eliminate their dependence on fossil fuels, and ultimately save the environment.

Jonathan Gal is a solar lighting expert and owner of YCA Solar Lights, an organization dedicated to promoting clean, energy efficient solar lighting technology. To find out more about how solar technology is changing the way we live, especially with respect to lighting, you are invited to visit: http://www.ycasolarlightstore.com

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Environmental Issues – They Concern Chefs as Well!

July 18, 2010 | By In environment | Comments(0)

It has not probably escaped your notice that environmental issues have captured people’s interest. You can probably say that this is not surprising considering the fact that people are finally experiencing the effects of decades of environmental abuse. Mother Nature is indeed lashing back. Environmental debates are fairly common these days. Being a chef does not excuse you, however, from getting involved. You create your own ecological footprints and you are accountable for them.

Environmental issues generally fall under three categories – bizarre global climate changes, excessive use of resources, improper waste management.

Bizarre Global Climate Changes

There are numerous environmental issues but the one thing that you have likely heard people talking about is the bizarre climate that the whole world is experiencing. The effects of these weird climate changes have caused devastating damages, taking lives and properties. Unfortunately, there are many factors that contribute to climate change. Many of these factors are largely created by man.

Excessive and Abusive Use of Environmental Resources

There are many environmental issues that fall under this category. You have deforestation, land degradation and land being stripped off of fossil fuels. These three are just some of the many problems that arise from abusive use of environmental resources.

Improper Waste Management

Many environmental issues have resulted from people’s inability to manage their waste or trash properly. This category basically embraces all kinds of pollutions caused by humans which include air, water and land pollution.

Resolving Environmental Issues Your Way

It’s certainly a good thing that many people are getting involved in correcting environmental issues. As a chef, you can do a lot of things in order to reverse the damage that has been done to the environment. You can make positive contributions. Being environmentally friendly does not end with disposing potato peelings properly. As a leader, you can influence people to be more environmentally conscious.

Adopt an Environmental Cause

If you own your restaurant, you can get your staff or employees to volunteer for environmental causes. Since you are working in the food industry, perhaps you can get your employees to volunteer for a food feeding program.

You can also adopt environmental programs and support them. For instance, you can adopt a program which aims to provide clear water to many places in Africa or you can support one project that is designed to protect the rainforest in the Amazons. Support any environmental conservation schemes. Try to raise funds if you can in order to support a conservation program.

Recycle!

Another way of helping the environment is to adopt a recycling program in your workplace. You should also make sure that you get recyclable supplies. If you are going to purchase disposable dishware, you should get recyclable or biodegradable ones. Encourage your staff or employees to do the same.

Cut Back on Gas Consumption

There are also various ways of cutting back on gas consumption. You can also get your employees involved in your save-your-gas scheme. You can offer incentives to employees who choose to leave their cars at home. In fact, this method is proving effective among hospitality entrepreneurs. Aside from encouraging your staff to take the bus, you can also get them to set up a carpool system.

Another way of saving gas and cutting back on delivery expenses is to impose minimum order requirement. This will discourage small deliveries and unnecessary use of gas.

Prefer Local Producers

The food service industry has finally recognized that they have a social responsibility to support local producers within their community. If you choose to purchase products from local farmers, not only will you be able to help the local economy, you will also help in minimizing environmental wastages.

Spread the Word

You need to spread environmental consciousness. You can start with the people around you – your employees perhaps. Challenge people to care. Over time, you will eventually get people involved. Employ people who are environmentally conscious – people who purchase organic products and who boast of eco-friendly practices.

You can also train your staff and teach them how to be more eco-friendly. After all, you will reap the benefits as well. You will likely notice a considerable decrease in energy consumption once your staff learns how to conserve energy.

You can also spread the word and influence your guests, customers and clients. You can offer rewards or incentives to guests who adopt eco-friendly measures in order to address environmental issues. You don’t have to stop with your employees. Ideally, the more people you educate, the better it will be for the environment.

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