It's Easy Bein' Green: 16 Simple Steps to More Eco-Friendly Living
Here are 16 easy steps you can take to green up your home, without spending a lot of energy, time, or money.
1. Unplug appliances when you aren't using them. Some electrical items will actually continue to use energy when they are in "standby" mode. So you can save energy (and money on your utility bill) by getting in the habit of unplugging them when you are finished using them for the day.
Consider plugging your large appliances, such as the TV, VCR and stereo into a single power strip, so you can unplug everything at once.
Also, make sure you unplug all of your chargers (for your phone, ipod, laptop, etc.) when they aren't in use.
2. Call your local utility company to request an energy audit. Many local companies will set up these free assessments to give you a better idea of the amount of energy you use and how you can resolve to use less.
3. Reduce. Then Reuse. Then recycle. It's great to be in the habit of recycling things, but you can make a much bigger impact by reducing the goods you consume in the first place. Once you have bought something, see how many times you can reuse it before finally tossing it into the recycling bin.
4. Buy consumables in bulk. This can really minimize the amount of packaging that you are reusing and recycling. Avoid buying things with excess packaging.
5. Recycle everything you can. Make a game out of how little trash your family can produce. You might be surprised at the number of things that can be recycled. Take a trip to the local recycling center as a family, and take notes on all the different types of material they accept.
6. Install a programmable thermostat, so you can save money and energy on your heating and cooling bills.
7. Make sure to turn off the lights every time you leave the room. And make sure your front and back porch lights are off during the day.
8. As your standard light bulbs burn out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs, which are energy efficient and have a longer lifespan.
9. As your appliances wear out, replace them with Energy Star appliances.
10. Run appliances only when you need to. Run the washing machine only when you have a full load. Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
11. Hang clothes outside to dry (if your homeowners' association permits it).
12. Don't buy plastic water bottles. Purchase only BPA-free water bottles and reuse, reuse, reuse.
13. Instead of putting your computer in hibernation mode each night, turn it off, and unplug it.
14. Check your tire pressure. When your tires are at the proper level of inflation, you'll get optimal fuel efficiency.
15. Use cloth instead of paper when you can – for diapers and napkins, for example.
16. Purchase products made from recycled material, when available. You really can make a difference with your dollars. Think of each dime you spend as a kind of vote for the type of businesses, enterprises, and causes that you wish to support.
Being green won't take a lot of extra work, and will actually save you money in the long run, with lower utility bills and fuel costs.
It's easier than ever to adopt a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. With our society's growing awareness of energy and conservation issues, there has never been more information, technology, or energy-saving gadgets to help us green up our lives.
What's more, the costs for these eco-friendly solutions are decreasing as more people are jumping on the green bandwagon. And because we're paying our own utility bills, our energy conservation efforts can benefit both our planet and our pocketbook.
For many of us, environmentally friendly decisions are now just a part of everyday life. Plus, if you have children at home who see you modeling a green lifestyle, your decisions will likely be passed on to the next generation - and beyond.
Here are 16 easy steps you can take to green up your home, without spending a lot of energy, time, or money.
<b>1. Unplug appliances when you aren't using them.</b> Some electrical items will actually continue to use energy when they are in "standby" mode. So you can save energy (and money on your utility bill) by getting in the habit of unplugging them when you are finished using them for the day.
Consider plugging your large appliances, such as the TV, VCR and stereo into a single power strip, so you can unplug everything at once.
Also, make sure you unplug all of your chargers (for your phone, ipod, laptop, etc.) when they aren't in use.
<b>2. Call your local utility company to request an energy audit.</b> Many local companies will set up these free assessments to give you a better idea of the amount of energy you use and how you can resolve to use less.
<b>3. Reduce. Then Reuse. Then recycle.</b> It's great to be in the habit of recycling things, but you can make a much bigger impact by reducing the goods you consume in the first place. Once you have bought something, see how many times you can reuse it before finally tossing it into the recycling bin.
<b>4. Buy consumables in bulk.</b> This can really minimize the amount of packaging that you are reusing and recycling. Avoid buying things with excess packaging.
<b>5. Recycle everything you can.</b> Make a game out of how little trash your family can produce. You might be surprised at the number of things that can be recycled. Take a trip to the local recycling center as a family, and take notes on all the different types of material they accept.
<b>6. Install a programmable thermostat,</b> so you can save money and energy on your heating and cooling bills.
<b>7. Make sure to turn off the lights every time you leave the room.</b> And make sure your front and back porch lights are off during the day.
<b>8. As your standard light bulbs burn out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs,</b> which are energy efficient and have a longer lifespan.
<b>9. As your appliances wear out, replace them with Energy Star appliances.</b>
<b>10. Run appliances only when you need to.</b> Run the washing machine only when you have a full load. Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
<b>11. Hang clothes outside to dry</b> (if your homeowners' association permits it).
<b>12. Don't buy plastic water bottles.</b> Purchase only BPA-free water bottles and reuse, reuse, reuse.
<b>13. Instead of putting your computer in hibernation mode each night, turn it off</b>, and unplug it.
<b>14. Check your tire pressure.</b> When your tires are at the proper level of inflation, you'll get optimal fuel efficiency.
<b>15. Use cloth instead of paper</b> when you can – for diapers and napkins, for example.
<b>16. Purchase products made from recycled material</b>, when available. You really can make a difference with your dollars. Think of each dime you spend as a kind of vote for the type of businesses, enterprises, and causes that you wish to support.
Being green won't take a lot of extra work, and will actually save you money in the long run, with lower utility bills and fuel costs.
About the Author
Visit <a href="http://Susies-Coupons.com">Susies-Coupons.com</a> to find discounts and coupons on energy-star appliances. And check <a href="http://office-supply-coupons.com">Office Supply coupons</a>to find discounts on green office supplies.
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What is a green job? Do green jobs really pay more?
Green jobs or green-collar jobs are the jobs that are more energy-conscious. The United Nations (UN) and various Government agencies around the world are also promoting green job creation. They are also encouraging green job training by employers for the current as well as future workers. This type of job will concentrate more on the energy efficiency and diversity.
You may find many job opportunities in the sustainable energy resources such as ethanol production, wind and solar, hazardous waste removal, green building, consumer goods as well as in recycling. Apart from this, you will also find many jobs opening in research and development, manufacturing, construction and in technology.
According to many surveys, by the end of 2030, more than 25 percent of U.S. employment could be generated from green industries like renewal energy generation and recycling sectors. All these jobs are paying well than other jobs.
Governments and local bodies are also providing more financial help and tax break for the green jobs training purposes. The availability of the green-collar job opportunities will cross board all types of people who have different skills. The main aim of the green job is to build an energy efficient environment, which will include energy efficient construction, building as well as retrofits.
The green job creation is also concentrating more on the hazardous things, which we are facing today. They are planning to avoid the vehicle, which produce carbon dioxide in the nature by replacing it with Hybrid cars. Making the furniture from recycled woods, cleanup of hazardous materials, manufacturing of the green products like solar panels and turbine blades, solar installation are also some of the factors, which are focused by the green jobs.
If you are looking for an option to know more about the green jobs, researching on the web could be the finest option for you. Once you do a research, you can find few green job search engines, like http://greenzone.org which will provide you the accurate information on different types of green jobs available.
The numbers of people who are showing their interest in green jobs are becoming more day-by-day. By doing green jobs, you are not only making money, but also providing many benefits to the nature.
About the Author
Isabella Roberts is a social worker, green activist and promoter of natural family planning method, Safe Period Calculator.
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Green and growing. Hiatt joins the Board of Directors of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) New Hampshire Chapter
Hampton Falls, NH…
Jeff Hiatt, managing member Performance Business Solutions, LLC has joined the Board of Directors of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) New Hampshire Chapter. Hiatt works with accountants, attorneys, and other experts to determine the best way for clients to reduce costs, with a special focus on energy, and increase profits.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization composed of leaders from across the building industry working to advance buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Driving its mission to transform the built environment is the Council's LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification system. LEED is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED is accessible on-line and supported by a robust LEED Workshop program and the LEED Professional Accreditation program.
USGBC supports a rich education and research agenda, including Greenbuild - the largest international conference & expo focused on green building. The Council also supports an aggressive education and advocacy program delivered at the local level through 78 chapters and affiliates across the U.S.
Since its founding in 1993, USGBC has been focused on fulfilling the building and construction industry's vision for its own transformation to high-performance green building. Today, it includes more than 15,700 member companies and organizations. In testament to its leadership, in the past five years alone, USGBC's membership has quadrupled and over 3.6 billion square feet of building space are involved with the LEED program. The annual U.S. market in green building products and services was over $7 billion in 2005 and is now over $12 billion.
Industry-led and consensus-driven, the Council is as diverse as the marketplace it serves. Membership includes building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits. Leaders from within each of these sectors participate in the development of the LEED certification system and the direction of the Council through volunteer service on USGBC's open committees.
"It is an honor and a pleasure to serve on the board of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) New Hampshire Chapter," noted Jeff Hiatt, managing member Performance Business Solutions, LLC. He added, "The organization is making great strides in communicating an environmentally sound message to the building community and creating a forum to exchange ideas and methods to create buildings that are environmentally friendly, profitable to manage and healthy, safe places to live and work."
About the Author
For more information on the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) New Hampshire Chapter, contact www.usgbcnh.org.
Performance Business Solutions, LLC is located at 87 Lafayette Rd. Suite 11, Hampton Falls, NH 03844. The company helps businesses nationwide reduce expenses in a variety of areas. Jeff Hiatt of Performance Business Solutions, LLC, works with accountants, attorneys, and other experts to determine the best way for clients to reduce costs and increase profits.
For additional information, contact Jeff Hiatt, (508) 878-4846,jdh@revenuebanking.com, www.revenuebanking.com.
Solar Systems CEO Nathan Thompson Explain The Green Affiliate Program
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Building a home wind turbine is an increasingly well-liked occurrence. The great thing about having one at home is they are actually a delight to the eye and manage to save you electricity at once! Actually, statistics have verified that having one fitted to your home could save up to 50-75% on your current electricity bills. If you make use of a grouping of a home wind turbine, generator and a solar panel, then it is likely that you will see financial savings in excess of 75%! So yes, they are certainly worth looking into. That is of course, unless you don't want a monthly bill of between $7-10, instead of $100-300!
Don't be put off if you feel your house is too little. If you have a little house all it means is that it will take a lot less effort to reduce the size of your fees. Homes, both big and small, on a worldwide scale, benefit from using solar energy. Let's face it, it is the way forward and within the next 10 years, almost every single home will be using some form of solar energy to cut down on their electricity expenses.
Finally, let us talk about expenditure. If you pop up to your local hardware or household store, the probability are they might stock some solar based products. Better still, if you go online, you'll see thousands of providers in the industry. The problem is you will be looking at spending somewhere in the area of $5,000 or even more for a good home wind turbine. Apparently the long term returns are great, but the first outlay, puts many people off. Don't be put off, if you have any DIY experience at all, then the probability are that you will have the ability to make the turbine by hand. There are plenty of plans and information based guides on the internet that will be able to help you.
Who should acquire wind turbines for the home? Due to the dimension of wind-turbines, many are not suitable for city-like or small lot homes. There are however, small wind-turbines that can be installed. Wind turbines for the home have been put up in at least 49 of the states, with the majority of those being in the Northeast and Midwest. Does utilizing wind turbines for the home aid the environment? In all manners, the answer is yes! Since wind-turbines formulate no pollution, you will be offsetting the pollution that would have in the first place been caused by the utility company. Research have recorded that throughout a life-time of a residential wind turbine, around 2400 lb of air pollutants and over 400000 pounds of greenhouse fumes will be cancelled. Talk about going green! Do wind measures have to be taken to put in wind-turbines for the home? For a large amount residential areas, getting proper wind measurements is not essential. If on the other hand, you occupy land near mountainous areas, wind measurings may help in producing the most energy from the wind-turbine. This assures that the location of the wind-turbine is not in a sheltered area. How loud are wind turbines for the home? About all residential wind-turbine users have reported little noise. They stated, "It causes less noise than my laundry machine." Will putting in wind turbines for the home demand shifting the wiring of my home? This answer is no. When setting up a wind-turbine, it is usually equipped to the home without altering any wiring or appliances. In the majority of cases, another utility meter will be installed to meter the quantity of extra electricity that the utility companies will be buying from you! How much do wind turbines for the home price at? Commercial wind-turbines can be anywhere from $7,100 to $23,500! The more than practical solution is to get the wind-turbine created for you, or to build it by yourself or with some friends. This will keep your from spending thousands, and make the whole price of a wind-turbine be a couple hundred dollars at most. Look at the resource part at the bottom of this article for more info around wind turbine building plans. What is the reliability of wind turbines for the home? Most turbines ask little to no upkeep. Since they are projected for a extended life-time, many last up to 25 years. This means that employing wind-turbines is an investment that will last a real long time. For commercial units, wind turbines will reimburse the cost in approximately 7-11 years. If the wind turbine is built from building plans, the investment can be reimbursed in about 6 months to one year. What other ways can wind turbines for the home save me money? When installing a wind-turbine, do not forget to file away an IRS tax rebate document. Being green does not only bring you satisfaction, but also saves you money!
About the Author
I have a review-site about green energy and converting your home to renewable energy. There is an expert called Miller Britzke who is an altenative energy engineer testing the best DIY products. If you are interested in how to build your own solarpanel for about 200$ or a windturbine, I belive that you will find much information there.
India will enter jupiter dasa in 2011 after mai. There will be a big change in India after the month of mai. The month of mai and before mai might be very disturbing.
For more than 16 years, India was running rahu dasa. Rahu is illusion, materialism, dirty, black magic, manipulation and extreme corruption, meat, oil. Jupiter is the reverse, a positive change. The change will be very big. The first half of jupiter dasa wich is the house of pisces ruler neptune.Neptune is in the 7th house combined with mars and ketu. Mars is ruling the 2th house.
The nakshatra of India is Aswini, the lord is ketu. This is the main reason why India is the country of the Gods. Indians no doubt are the most spiritual and religious people in the world.
Every god and religion is welcome in India. Ketu also means learning and suffering and rising after the suffereing. The Gods themself protect India. The hymalaya is the house of the Gods and very sacred.
The water from the spring of the Ganges is extremely powerfull. Many indians wrongly think the poluted water in Varanasi has miraculeus properties. Indians sadly have very little respect for the holy rivers and don"t keep the river clean.
The divine water from the Ganges and other rivers could do miracles in India and feed many.
India will become wealthy, business will soar. There will be a spiritual wind in India. There will be happiness Buddhism, christianity and Islam will grow and merge with Hinduism . Prince Sidharta was after all a hindu-prince. India experiened ultimate happiness for the people under the rule of king Ashoka. It was the golden period of India.
The father of the state India Gandhi but also Nelson Mandela both Practised the Indian dharma and forgave their enemies. Both were succesfull in liberating their country without violence.
In 2011 Indians will turn to ancient vedic knowledge. The vedic sciences are supreme, for example vedic mathematics is much more advance than old fashioned mathematics.
Materialism will be less important, or should I say the quest for materialism, since India will prosper more than now..people will be truly happy. The ruler of the 7th house uranus in the 4th. Many houses will be build. New high tech cities will build based on vastu shastra the comming years..
India will be a happy place again. The gods will be worshipped, People will learn the ancient vedic sciences. Cities will be turned in green paradises. There will be a new rule to keep your houses and surrounding clean and green.
The unreal material world will be less important. Many people might loose their job in 2012 when the second half of jupiter will be more important.
It will be very hot and dry in India after 2013, it is now time to take precaution before it is too late and India will face a terrible drought. Canals should be constructed from the hymalaya. Snow should be melted and trough tubes been transported to the rest of India. The desserts and dry parts could be green again with the help of snowwater. Rainwater should be stored in mountains and wells.
There will be huge tensions in the world and India might have it share. War will loom between east and west, but India will not take part in it. Others will try to create war between Pakistan and India. But India will not react as they hardly reacted during the Kargill conflict, Export might be affected, imports as well. The merchant navy in danger.
Still India should stay out of troubles and not enter any war. Instead India should play the role of mediator and peacemaker. Since India has always been a real neutral country, nowdays withouth enemies.China nor Pakistan wants war with India and both understand that India wants peace with every one.
India has a mighty army and has become one of the leading superpowers, though they will never show it. The defence technology is so advanced that many discoveries are been sold to foreign countries. The Arihant submarine is the most advanced in the world. The Arjun battletank unbeatable. The LCA so small and mavouvrabe that it is truly stealthy. The LCA-tejas is made of a secret composite materials and cannot been shot down.
India has the doctrine peace backed by force. In this violent world a non-violent nation can only be guaranteed with a strong technological advanced army.
There is however a catch. The blackmoon and the jacobson lilith are both in the second house. India could be seduced by lillith, the dark force wich comes seductive. Lillith is comming in orbit to India"s Iillith in the horoscope. When ever lillith in orbit comes to your birth lillith it means you will meet some one who has a very strong sexual effect on you.
For example a passionate love affair wich turns out to be destructive, lilith wants to destroy by seducing. Many hidden sexual love affairs start with the lillith lillith transit. Secret enemies will aproach India with seductive proposals, but everything what looks too good to be true, is always bad.
In 2011 it will rain much more in India because the moon in the progressed horoscope will enter its own sign cancer Parts of India might be flooded. It will also snow. Beautifull babies will be born, pet animals will be the new fashion, in particular dogs and singing birds. It is believed in the scriptures that singing birds and white pidgeons are the messengers of the gods and bring luck. Garuda is the king of birds, the Garuda Purana a beautifull verse.
Dogs are lucky for Indians since the ruler of the nakshatra of India Aswini is ketu. Dogs when well taken care for bring wealth and happines, most wealthy indians have petdogs. It is not without reason that Holland and the USA are soo rich. They treat dogs as they treath their own children.
The moon also rules the 5th house of the Indian horocope. Love and Romance will be on the rise in 2011. Indians who are single will find their real love. Those who are married will have more romance.
Indian boys and girls will not longer get married because of material reasons but only because love and romance, after all the Kama sutra is from India. There are no differences when real loves comes between race, cast and religion.
There were is real love Laksmi comes and the house will have wealth, abundance and happiness.
The best example is Sharukh Khan (muslim), he married Gauri(hindu) when he was poor, but the godness Laksmi helped them in a startling way.
Prepare for the worst
When the big war starts between the west and the fundamentalists and the far east the world economy will enter a new phase. The downfall will be very severe.
It is advisable to stockpile food, drinks, waterfilters and everything you need, minimum a year or even 3 years.
Stocks and options wil loose value, the stockexhange even cease to exist. Don"t invest in those things. They are part of the old world and even a scam as Satyam was..
Invest in yourself and those around you and stockpile food and other materials wich you might need.
Sell everything wich you don"t need and give away wich you don"t need. It is bad to store clutter.
Strengten the ties with friends, neighbours and familymembers. The world will be in severe turmoil. It is time to have real friends and neighbours as friends.
Invest in your own microwindmill and solarcells. Energy will be a costly affair in the future. Or should I say already in 2011 your electricity bill will go up. In 2012 and beyond India might face very high oil prices.
Sell your gold wich you don"t need. Gold is a bad investment, you will get only half of wich you have paid for.
Repair everything. Always have your car and scooter fueled.
Store some fuel for emergency.
Invest in agriculture and start planting, the world will be short in food. India could become the major foodsuplier in the world.
Adopt -a-poor-farmer, invest in a poor farmer and buy back the crops. Poor farmers sadly still don"t have acces to normal investors. Investing in a poor farmer will give you a save return and the blessings of the gods.
The backboon of India are the more than 800.000 villages. If a poor farmer has 100 rupees a day more to spend that amount would have a huge positive effect on the indian economy in the whole.
The real economical growth will come from the million villages and not from abroad.
Light coloured amethist in the indexfinger wich relates to pisces.
Wearing amethist makes you unresistable and lucky in India
Red garnet gives power and drive and improves your lovelife very much when you are married
Diamond, white saphire and substitutes.
Lucky colours for clothes cars and buildings: all shades of green, all shades of pink, all shades of purple, white. From mai onwards yellow and yellow, safron, light blue.
Wearing purple will make a guy extremely handsome.
Sleep till 2 hours before sunrise. Take a shower without chemical soap and shampoos, never use toothpaste with fluor. Oil your body every wednessdays and saturday (never on another day) luck love and happiness will come to you.
Light the sacred fire in the south east of your house and stare in it for a few minutes.
Practise yoga for 10 minutes and your day will be lucky.
In your house never keep clutter and keep your house clean, clean with salty water. Store water or a aqaurium in the north east, keep the centre open, have a ghee candle in the south east. Place heavy objects in the southwest of your house. Sleep with your head pointing east or south, never to the north. Always sleep with a window open so fresh prana can enters your house.
Have singingbirds in your house and plants wich bring luck in your house.
The Gods of all religions are with you
Be ready for the new world, be ready for the change.
http://www.martinrai.com
About the Author
Martin Rai is a vedic astrologer with extensive knowledge of other vedic sciences such as vastu shastra, vedic maths and other interesting vedic knowledge.
You can contact Martin Rai for more information on his website.
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Many people dream of becoming energy independent. They see green energy sources not only as a way to greatly reduce their energy bills each month, but they also see it as a way to power their homes in a way that does not burn the Earth's resources, and does not harm the environment.
The green energy sources that are the most popular are solar energy and wind energy. While there are other forms of green energy, these are the most popular because they are the two sources that are the most readily available. You do not have to relocate to take advantage of these sources, and they are both relatively inexpensive to get started with. While making a complete change-over in your home can be a serious investment, it is possible to get stated on a smaller scale, and make a gradual change-over as you can afford to.
Solar Energy
The most popular form of green energy is solar energy. It collects sunlight using solar panels that convert that light into electricity. One reason this is so popular is because the system, once in place, is relatively low maintenance. Other than keeping the solar panels clean, there is not much to do to keep your solar energy system running. Because there are not any moving parts to wear out, breakdowns do not typically happen with this type of system.
The disadvantage of a solar energy system is that it requires a lot of direct sunlight to see real benefits from the system. If you are unfortunate enough to live in an area that has considerable cloud cover on a regular basis you may not see the same benefits as someone living in a sunny location.
That does not mean that you should discount solar energy as a good energy source, it just means you will need to take steps to make the most of the times the sun is shining brightly. By increasing the number of panels you will be able to generate more energy in a shorter period of time. If you have your solar generators hooked to a battery system, you will be able to capture that extra energy to use at night, or on cloudy days.
Wind Energy
Another green energy source that has gotten quite a bit of attentions is wind energy. This form of energy harnesses the power of using propellers that turn a turbine which creates electricity. The good part about modern wind powered turbines is that they do not require a lot of wind to operate them. A steady breeze is often enough to turn the blades and begin generating electricity. Of course, the more wind you have, the quicker you will be able to generate significant amounts of electricity.
Unlike solar systems, you are not limited by the time of day for generating power. These systems will work day or night. Like the solar energy systems, you can hook a wind powered generator to a battery systems so you will have a steady supply of energy.
The biggest disadvantages of a wind energy systems is that the turbine does require more space that the solar cells, and are not as easily incorporated into the design of a house. A wind turbine also requires more maintenance that solar energy systems. It has more moving parts so you need to perform scheduled maintenance on the system to reduce the chances of a breakdown.
Green energy sources are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint without having to do away with many of the conveniences of modern life. You can lower your energy bills, and be more environmentally friendly in the process.
About the Author
Jim Smoot writes for the Renewable Solar Energy website at http://www.renewable-solar-energy.com. Go there today for more information about green living, and how you can make your home energy independent.
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A "green" building, also known as a "sustainable" building is a residential or commercial structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner.
As homeowners become more conscious of indoor health issues, increasing energy costs and their own impact on the environment Green Remodeling is becoming more popular. Every indication points to the continued growth of the Green Building and Remodeling market. It is not just a fad or passing curiosity. It is here to stay and eventually will be the only way to build.
The goals of Green Remodeling are straight-forward and the benefits are tangible. The use of environmentally safe products is one of the most important goals in any green project, but this is especially true in a residential remodeling project.
The use of environmentally safe products is one of the factors leading to better indoor air-quality and thus better overall health of the occupants. Another is the use of improved, more efficient ventilation systems and the use of non-toxic building materials, paints and finishes. Indoor air-quality is affected by pollutants brought in from the outside, toxic chemicals inside, and the pollutant-producing activities of the occupants. It is the goal of Green Remodeling to reduce and mitigate these factors.
Improved energy efficiency and lower energy costs is another prime goal of Green Remodeling which emphasizes the use of energy efficient appliances and lighting, and the use of programmable thermostats and tank-less water heaters. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that $ 20 billion less energy could be used each year if current buildings were green-improved.
Reducing the amount of construction waste generated from a remodeling project is another important goal. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, construction waste accounts for 20% of the waste in landfills, or about 136 million tons annually. Green Remodeling aims to reduce this waste by recycling as much of it as possible from the job site and using products made from recycled materials whenever possible.
In general, Green Remodeling focuses on reducing operating costs by increasing the efficiency of systems; reducing emissions from toxic materials and improving the indoor air-quality; and using environmentally safe building materials and ecologically sound building practices. These aspects can greatly affect the value of the building and the overall health and productivity of its occupants.
Green Remodeling differs from Green Building. Although the principles that govern Green Remodeling are shared with other green design and construction projects, there are a few aspects that are unique. The first noticeable difference is in the range of projects that constitute a remodeling project. Whereas the design and construction of a new structure generally entails everything from site work to mounting door hardware, a remodel generally entails only certain systems or rooms. While in new construction most everything about the building is known, having been designed and built from scratch, in remodeling there are always existing conditions, some of which are unknown, to deal with. The need to stage sequenced projects around the client's need for certain things to be completed before others is another fairly unique aspect of remodeling, as is the fact that most of the work is of a custom nature.
Green Remodeling is not just about product selections. It is as much about the process. Synergies are created when the approach is directed at integrating systems into a "whole-house" philosophy. Green Remodeling requires the same professional coordination and integration at all levels as does new green construction. Good design and construction are the cornerstone of any green project. And while you can have a quality project that is not Green, you cannot have a Green project that is not also of high quality.
Because the remodeler must adhere to standards and apply techniques which enhance the sustainability of the project Green Remodeling is more of a challenge than run-of-the-mill remodeling. This is not to say that every Green Remodeling project must encompass every system, room or finish in the structure. Green Remodeling can be accomplished in small, individual ways, choosing the elements that fit the situation. Toxic paints and sealants can be removed and replaced with non-toxic, environmentally safe products to increase indoor air-quality. Programmable thermostats and additional insulation, especially around pipes, can be installed to reduce energy costs. Older, inefficient appliances can be replaced with more energy efficient models. Natural flooring materials or rugs made from natural fibers and fabrics can be used in place of synthetic coverings to reduce out-gassing of noxious fumes. Lighting fixtures can be replaced with energy efficient, dimmable fixtures to reduce energy waste. Green Remodeling can be as simple as purchasing locally-made products so as to reduce the emissions caused by shipping products from other regions.
Green Remodeling represents a major component in the overall push to "go green", and is a topic of further study by not only remodeling contractors but architects, interior designers and engineers as well.
You can learn much more about Green Remodeling in Andrew Manzini's online continuing education course, Green Remodeling (6 PDH; 0.6 CEU), at CEU-HQ.com, along with over a dozen other courses dealing with Green Design and Construction.
About the Author
Will Guidry is a registered architect, Java program developer and author of continuing education courses for architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects. You can find his courses at CEU-HQ.com.
WindCube (Second Life)
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Technology like solar energy, wind power, fuel cells, zaps electric vehicles, EV hybrids, etc have come so far recently. Green energy even costs way less than oil and gas in many cases. I think that most people actually have a harder time believing that the theory or technology work's. By now we know that it does. Free Electricity click here
With Magniwork power generator you will be able to generate completely free electricity or energy. This device is safe and eco-friendly. But what would you do if there was a way for you to get free electricity and free energy? How much money do you think you would be able to save per month?
Thus, it produces free energy indefinitely, runs by itself, without having to need a third-party device or resource to power it. The magniwork free power generator is safe to use and operate. It doesn't produce any harmful byproducts or gases, and there isn't any hazard concerning the generator itself. I only partially implemented Magniwork so that it supplements my current power installation. I'm really going to try and do it full scale so that I can create free energy for my whole house!
Unlike solar or wind power solutions, the Magniwork system does not rely on weather to provide power, meaning virtually no interruption in service - ever! Its very easy .If in any case, You are not able to create your Magnetic Power Generator (I am sure that will be the rare case), You will give a full refund. So you have nothing to loose.
Hundreds of successful magniwork generators have been built around the world, which is a proof that this technology really works ! We predict that the technology will rapidly spread, and some industry-insiders even predict that the mangiwork free energy generators will be the energy in the future .
The Magniwork free energy generator is safe to use and operate. It doesn't produce any harmful byproducts or gases, and there isn't any hazard concerning the generator itself. There are many people that claim the concept of magnetic generator is legit and some people allege that there is a conspiracy keeping the public from getting access to this type of technology.
If you can create a magnetic energy generator with the help of Magniwork, then you no longer have to buy power from them and that doesn't fit into the scope of their business model? Ideally discussions should be directly related to the article, not general discussion of the topic the article is covering.
The video below takes you through a short series of experiments that show how the power of magnets can be used to generate energy. There are skeptics out there, but this series shows that there's no reason to be skeptical.
Virtually all you need is standard household tools, such as a screwdriver. The materials for the Magnetic Generator itself can be purchased from any local hardware store, such as Home Depot. To build and install the Magniwork system, you will simply need common tools such as pliers and a screwdriver. Material cost will vary depending on the size of Magniwork System you plan to produce, as well as how much energy you need from it.
I built the generator as a supplement to my current electrical installation. I have been using the magniwork generator for 2 days , and the initial estimations that I made, record an increased efficiency on my power installation in the area of 40-45%. For those that wonder if theMagniwork generator work's, well, it's simply using a somewhat scientific process called "Perpetual Motion". Perpetual motion is when a a device continues to move without stopping. It all depends -on the size of the house and the size of the generator.
In prinsiple you can generate fairly large amounts of electrical power from the wind. HOWEVER it's not magic and there are several web sites dealing with wind turbines as well as instructables. That's what the Magniwork generator is designed to do. This generator powers itself and works indefinitely, without stopping, creating a large amount of energy.
We both had no problems following the construction process and each of the generators cost less than $100 to build, including all the needed supplies. The Magniwork Company provides quick and reliable support, 24/7 should you hit any snags or feel the need to verify information contained in the thorough guide. The site does not show the actual generator but they sell plans to build one.
By constructing extra unit, or building a superior unit, I will be able to in effect eradicate my electric fees! I imagine that is what you will love for your home also.
Eventually, I was able to build my own power source with little help from other believers of perpetual motion. I can also help you do the same if you will just care to spend a few minutes with me and read on. By building an additional unit, or building a larger unit, I will be able to virtually eliminate my electric bill!
The best part is you don't have to spend years designing a machine like this one, Building your own is simple because Magniwork has done all the work for you. Actually the generator is very basic. You may be wondering how the system works, how expensive it is to install, and if it is easy enough for you to build and install on your own. I will answer those questions and more in this Magniwork Review - and you may be surprised by what you learn! Magniwork will provide you over 50 pages step by step guide on how to build your own magnetic energy generator. This device has been proven and tested.
By following the instructions, the Magniwork manual proclaim you can build the magnetic generator for a budget of less than $200. If you were to follow all the instruction, you have to spend a lot of time sourcing for used magnets from industrial complexes. Based on the practice I had building my magnetic power generator, I would endorse the plans to everybody looking to reduce or eradicate their electricity bill, or just looking to help the environment!
Magnetic energy is proving to be one of the foremost sources of alternative green energy! It contained an ebook with detailed, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions on how to build your own solar panels and wind turbines using cheap material. Furthermore, there was a whole set of videos which you are taught how to construct the devices.
After you build your generator, you will begin to see the savings in the first month on your electric bill. This savings is going to more than pay for the manual on how to build the power generator and continue to grow a savings each and every month thereafter. The materials needed to build the generator itself are also surprisingly basic. A trip to any hardware store should take care of any needed materials. I just liked the simplicity and the new way's to build and keep the relationship's and REO Properties - so letting other's know about it seemed like a no brainer.
By building an additional unit, or building a larger unit, I will be able to virtually eliminate my electricity bill! I think that is what you, or anyone else will want to have for their residence. Magniwork will provide you a comprehensive guide on how to build your own magnetic energy generator. This device will provide you free energy for life! At a small cost of $one hundred for the materials needed to build this device, it will make up the cost very easily and rapidly. Imagine if by only using it for part of the electric in your home it can save you fifty%.
The suppression of free-energy devices such as magniwork as well as other fossil fuel alternatives has been proven and documented. There has even been a documentary dedicated to the suppression of free energy devices called 'The Quest For Free Energy'. Watch the following excerpt of the documentary to find out why free energy devices are banned for public usage.
What Magniwork is, is a magnetic power generator, which generates free energy. You don't need any external power source, like wind or the sun.
The amount you can save by building the magniwork free energy generator can vary. If you decide to build our generator as a supplement to your current electrical installation, meaning, you are partially powering your household with magniwork, you can easily save anywhere in the range of 30-50% . In my opinion anyone with moderate building skills can make this generator. You just need to take your time and do it right. It is inexpensive to build as the parts are all common and not pricey. It does not require solar energy or even wind for it to work.
Magniwork is a revolutionary system that implements green technology to power up every home. No special directions for your wiring system or a need that you have to switch all your electricity receptors at home just to use Magniwork. MagniWork is the most complete DIY Magnetic power generator guide. Magniwork is for you.
Technology like solar energy, wind power, fuel cells, zaps electric vehicles, EV hybrids, etc have come so far recently. Green energy even costs way less than oil and gas in many cases. I think that most people actually have a harder time believing that the theory or technology work's. By now we know that it does.
With Magniwork power generator you will be able to generate completely free electricity or energy. This device is safe and eco-friendly. But what would you do if there was a way for you to get free electricity and free energy? How much money do you think you would be able to save per month?
Thus, it produces free energy indefinitely, runs by itself, without having to need a third-party device or resource to power it. The magniwork free power generator is safe to use and operate. It doesn't produce any harmful byproducts or gases, and there isn't any hazard concerning the generator itself. I only partially implemented Magniwork so that it supplements my current power installation.
I'm really going to try and do it full scale so that I can create free energy for my whole house! Unlike solar or wind power solutions, the Magniwork system does not rely on weather to provide power, meaning virtually no interruption in service - ever! Its very easy .If in any case, You are not able to create your Magnetic Power Generator (I am sure that will be the rare case), You will give a full refund. So you have nothing to loose.
Hundreds of successful magniwork generators have been built around the world, which is a proof that this technology really works ! We predict that the technology will rapidly spread, and some industry-insiders even predict that the mangiwork free energy generators will be the energy in the future . The Magniwork free energy generator is safe to use and operate.
It doesn't produce any harmful byproducts or gases, and there isn't any hazard concerning the generator itself. There are many people that claim the concept of magnetic generator is legit and some people allege that there is a conspiracy keeping the public from getting access to this type of technology.
If you can create a magnetic energy generator with the help of Magniwork, then you no longer have to buy power from them and that doesn't fit into the scope of their business model? Ideally discussions should be directly related to the article, not general discussion of the topic the article is covering. The video below takes you through a short series of experiments that show how the power of magnets can be used to generate energy. There are skeptics out there, but this series shows that there's no reason to be skeptical.
Virtually all you need is standard household tools, such as a screwdriver. The materials for the Magnetic Generator itself can be purchased from any local hardware store, such as Home Depot. To build and install the Magniwork system, you will simply need common tools such as pliers and a screwdriver. Material cost will vary depending on the size of Magniwork System you plan to produce, as well as how much energy you need from it.
I built the generator as a supplement to my current electrical installation. I have been using the magniwork generator for 2 days , and the initial estimations that I made, record an increased efficiency on my power installation in the area of 40-45%. For those that wonder if theMagniwork generator work's, well, it's simply using a somewhat scientific process called "Perpetual Motion". Perpetual motion is when a a device continues to move without stopping. It all depends -on the size of the house and the size of the generator.
n prinsiple you can generate fairly large amounts of electrical power from the wind. HOWEVER it's not magic and there are several web sites dealing with wind turbines as well as instructables. That's what the Magniwork generator is designed to do. This generator powers itself and works indefinitely, without stopping, creating a large amount of energy.
We both had no problems following the construction process and each of the generators cost less than $100 to build, including all the needed supplies. The Magniwork Company provides quick and reliable support, 24/7 should you hit any snags or feel the need to verify information contained in the thorough guide. The site does not show the actual generator but they sell plans to build one. Is this a scam? By constructing extra unit, or building a superior unit, I will be able to in effect eradicate my electric fees! I imagine that is what you will love for your home also.
Eventually, I was able to build my own power source with little help from other believers of perpetual motion. I can also help you do the same if you will just care to spend a few minutes with me and read on. By building an additional unit, or building a larger unit, I will be able to virtually eliminate my electric bill!
The best part is you don't have to spend years designing a machine like this one, Building your own is simple because Magniwork has done all the work for you. Actually the generator is very basic. You may be wondering how the system works, how expensive it is to install, and if it is easy enough for you to build and install on your own. I will answer those questions and more in this Magniwork Review - and you may be surprised by what you learn! Magniwork will provide you over 50 pages step by step guide on how to build your own magnetic energy generator. This device has been proven and tested.
By following the instructions, the Magniwork manual proclaim you can build the magnetic generator for a budget of less than $200. If you were to follow all the instruction, you have to spend a lot of time sourcing for used magnets from industrial complexes. Based on the practice I had building my magnetic power generator, I would endorse the plans to everybody looking to reduce or eradicate their electricity bill, or just looking to help the environment!
Magnetic energy is proving to be one of the foremost sources of alternative green energy! It contained an ebook with detailed, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions on how to build your own solar panels and wind turbines using cheap material. Furthermore, there was a whole set of videos which you are taught how to construct the devices.
After you build your generator, you will begin to see the savings in the first month on your electric bill. This savings is going to more than pay for the manual on how to build the power generator and continue to grow a savings each and every month thereafter. The materials needed to build the generator itself are also surprisingly basic. A trip to any hardware store should take care of any needed materials. I just liked the simplicity and the new way's to build and keep the relationship's and REO Properties - so letting other's know about it seemed like a no brainer.
By building an additional unit, or building a larger unit, I will be able to virtually eliminate my electricity bill! I think that is what you, or anyone else will want to have for their residence. Magniwork will provide you a comprehensive guide on how to build your own magnetic energy generator. This device will provide you free energy for life! At a small cost of $one hundred for the materials needed to build this device, it will make up the cost very easily and rapidly. Imagine if by only using it for part of the electric in your home it can save you fifty%.
The suppression of free-energy devices such as magniwork as well as other fossil fuel alternatives has been proven and documented. There has even been a documentary dedicated to the suppression of free energy devices called 'The Quest For Free Energy'. Watch the following excerpt of the documentary to find out why free energy devices are banned for public usage.
What Magniwork is, is a magnetic power generator, which generates free energy. You don't need any external power source, like wind or the sun.
The amount you can save by building the magniwork free energy generator can vary. If you decide to build our generator as a supplement to your current electrical installation, meaning, you are partially powering your household with magniwork, you can easily save anywhere in the range of 30-50% . In my opinion anyone with moderate building skills can make this generator. You just need to take your time and do it right. It is inexpensive to build as the parts are all common and not pricey. It does not require solar energy or even wind for it to work.
Magniwork is a revolutionary system that implements green technology to power up every home. No special directions for your wiring system or a need that you have to switch all your electricity receptors at home just to use Magniwork. MagniWork is the most complete DIY Magnetic power generator guide. Magniwork is for you.
David Channings is a expert article writer for goarticles,hubpages,ezine,squiddo, articlesfactory, and article base.
Green Energy, Air motors, Free Energy motors and generators
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Energy suppliers and their general characteristics which make them who they are
It is impossible to live without electricity and gas, especially in these recent times when so much development has occurred. This is why everybody somehow has energy suppliers for the different types of energy they need at home and at the work place. Since there are so many uses for electricity and gas in our homes, energy suppliers are becoming more and more each day as the demand and the competition increases. There are some energy suppliers in the United Kingdom who have very affordable rates and very simple and friendly terms of service. Finding energy suppliers has never been easier, especially with the internet at hand. You can find many energy suppliers online, so that you get the chance to compare each one of them. It is in such sites that each one of the energy suppliers posts their portal so that you are able to view their d8ifferent rates before making a decision. Their services are also displayed on their sites,. Therefore, the internet is a better place to search for the best energy suppliers for your energy needs at home. However, you need to reduce cost by looking for energy suppliers that are around your area. Therefore, you need to search them by category and by putting in your address so that the list of energy suppliers in your area is visible to you. In order to know more about a certain energy supplier, you should look at what the customers say about the supplier. This way, you will get a clearer picture about this supplier. When you are settled about the energy suppliers you want, just send in an online application by filling the form they provide online and send it over to them. Once this is done, wait for their response, which will either be by mail or by calling you. Once they respond, you should get a quotation and a subscription from them. In the UK, you will have absolutely no problem finding good energy suppliers because they are there in plenty. Because of that, you will have a range of tariffs to choose from, which are offered by the different energy suppliers. You also do not have to worry about convenience, because nowadays the energy suppliers have made their services better so that you are able to operate you electricity account via the internet. Gas supplies are just a click of a mouse away or a phone call away, but the payments are made online so that you can still operate your gas account online. The other advantage to customers is that energy suppliers have become more aware of the environment, and they now give energy in forms that are more and more environmentally friendly. Therefore, this is a consideration you should make when looking for energy suppliers. Do the energy suppliers supply Green Energy in forms of biogas and other "green" forms of energy? The energy suppliers should also help you conserve energy by being actively helpful and by giving important information and tips to you. About the Author
First Utility are one of the UK's leading energy suppliers providing the best prices on gas and electricity . If you are looking to compare electricity or gas prices please feel free to contact us.
Cara searches for an energy provider - Confused.com TV Advert
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I know this is a couple of days old, but why was is tire inflation seen as the Obama energy plan. Tire inflation plays pretty much the same role in the Obama plan as the McCain plan (which is not very much, the candidates simply suggested you do it). There are obviously other parts to Obamas plan such as investing in green energy, and giving tax credits for purchasing energy efficent vehicals. Does anyone actually believe that tire inflation is Obama's only energy plan, or that his position on tire inflation is any different from McCain's?
The Republicans don't have a good energy program. They've been in power as the price of fuel has gone up. Worse, it has gone up because of Republican energy policies,and Republican foreign policies.
So, as soon as they can find anything they think they can use to make Obama look foolish, they pounce, and occasionally find something that sticks for a week or so.
Well, last week, this stick ed.
Among Conservative Talk Radio listeners.
For a while.
Jatropha Renewable Energy Farm Costa Rica
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REDD as a mechanism to combat deforestation and climate change impacts in Darel and Tangir Valleys in Pakistan: A Review
Introduction
Gilgit – Baltistan previously named Northern Areas with an area of 72,496 sq kms is a Federally administered territory sharing borders with China and Afghanistan. The region where three highest mountain ranges (Karakoram, Himalya and Hidukush) converge is known for its spectacular geographical landscape, rocky and rugged mountains, glaciers, snow covered high mountain peaks including K2, Concordia and Nanga Parbat famous for international tourism and mountaineering. River Indus joined by many tributaries draining from inner valleys flow through the entire mountainous tract before entering into Tarbela reservoir in NWFP. Mixed dry temperate coniferous forests with pine, oak, juniper and scrub forests, rich high alpine flora, aromatic medicinal plants, wild ungulate species like Markhor, Ibex, Snow leopard, Brown bear, Blue sheep and Marco-Polo sheep make the region a biodiversity hotspot of immense national and global significance.
Khunjrab National Park north of Gilgit shares its borders with Qaxkargan National Park in China. Fragility of the mountain ecosystem, high altitudinal and climatic variability make Gilgit - Baltistan an excellent place to study the impacts of global climate change. Moreover, ethnic, lingual and cultural diversity of tribal population settled in distinct niches and remote valleys make it a unique geographical entity on planet earth. Its population thinly scattered over six administrative districts of Gilgit, Ghizar, Diamir and Astore in Gilgit Division, Skardu and Ghanche in Baltistan Division has surged to about 1.2 million in 2009 from 8,70,347 in 1998. Only 10 % population live in towns, remaining 90% population live in villages located in remote valleys.
Natural forests, legally classified as "protected" and "private" in Gilgit - Baltistan cover an area of 2,81,600 ha making 4% of the total land area. The private forests are mostly located in Chilas, Darel and Tangir valleys covering an area of 217,088 ha, remaining protected forests are scattered in small pockets in Astore (30,720 ha), 24,576 ha in Gilgit, Punial and Nagar, and 9,216 ha in Baltistan. The Forestry Sector Master Plan (FSMP, 1992) estimates 381,000 ha scrub forests in addition to natural forests which if included make the total forest cover as nine percent. Dry temperate forests comprising of Deodar, Kail, Chalghoza, Fir, Spruce, Oak and six Juniper species with scanty underground vegetation exist in pure and mixed stands adapted to very rugged terrain in remote valleys. Walnut, Birch and Taxus, Acer species have almost vanished from the natural forests due to over-exploitation and excessive grazing.
No land settlement has ever taken place in Darel and Tangir, even after partition in 1947.As such forests are not demarcated on ground, local tribal communities claiming defacto ownership of private and protected forests. During last two decades, these forests forming watersheds of Indus River, performing ecosystem functions and services as well as sustaining local livelihoods have been subject to ruthless deforestation through timber mafia. A recent National Forest and Range Resources Assessment Study (NFRRAS), 2004 conducted through Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar using satellite imageries has reported highest rate of -10% deforestation in Gilgit – Baltistan during the period 1997-2002 as compared to other provinces.
Darel and Tangir Valleys
Darel and Tangir valleys contain the contiguous blocks of precious natural forests that are confronted with heavy socio-economic pressures and climate change impacts. The British called Indus River Valley below Chilas and its tributary valleys like Darel and Tangir as "Yagestan" land of the free. Traditional Silk route used by tradesmen of Central Asian countries and Buddhist missionaries during 4th century B.C. passed through Darel. Buddhist art carvings on big rock boulders along roads and remnants of a Bhuddist University still existing in Phuguch village in Darel thus depicting rich historic and archaeological significance of these areas. Most important villages of lower Darel include Gayal, Phuguch, Somigal Bala, Somigal Pain which are not densely forested. However, Upper Darel which comprises the villages of Manikiyala Bala, Manikiyala Pain, Padyal, Yehshoot have comparatively dense forests. Lower Darel does not receive snowfall whereas upper Darel receives heavy snow fall.
Darel and Tangir valleys which acceded to Paksitan in 1952 are very rich in water, pasture and forest resources. Fresh water from snowmelt in permanent snow fields,glaciers and alpine pastures flow through the entire length of these valleys. Most of the villages settled along river with rock terrace agriculture fields are primarily dependent on agro-pastoral farming system as source of livelihood supported by cash income from forests and horticulture crops walnut, cherry, apple, grapes, mulberry and apricots. Cultivation of potatoes and peas has recently picked up as a cash crop. The commissioning of 840 km Karakoram Highway in 1978 and development of valley link roads have opened remote villages to uninterrupted down country marketing networks, thus enhancing their household income, and facilitating easy procurement and transportation of food and other essential commodities from down country. In Tangir, it is fascinating to see a contiguous block of evergreen oak forest well protected by the villagers for green fodder during winter months. It is common to store dry grass and haystack over chopped branches of old trees. During summer (May onwards) tribal communities take their livestock to high pastures in Ko Nallah, Khanbari, Biaree Nallah, Chila Nallah etc and stay there for five months till end of October. Illiterate young boys and girls are mostly responsible for grazing of livestock in pastures.
In the absence of land settlement and boundary demarcation, local people in Darel and Tangir claim defacto ownership of the agriculture and forest lands. In Darel 80 to 90 % people have ownership while in Tangir less than 50 % own private forests. As a thumb rule, the first settlers of this area are "Malikans" or owners of the forest, while those who migrated later on from other areas like Kohistan, Kashmir etc are not right holders. Generally the ethnic groups Shin, Yashkund and Kamin have ownership while in some areas Sayyeds also have ownership. The system of commercial harvesting of private forests in Daril and Tangir started in 1973 under working scheme which is basically a harvesting plan. A committee comprising of one member from each clan normally sells the forest to contractors. An agreement is drawn between the committee and the contractor and endorsed by the Assistant/Deputy Commissioner. The system is not transparent as most of the time the Committee is blamed by the owners of taking commission from the contractor.
In private forests, marking of dry, dead, diseased and mature trees is conducted by the Forest Department under selection-cum-improvement working circle. After marking, the contractor would pay Royalty and Malkiana. Royalty, a type of fee on the extraction of timber from forests is realized from the contractor on converted timber. Once the converted timber reaches to a specified place or depot, the Forest Officials do the measurements to estimate the royalty. The contractor then deposits the estimated amount in DFO's account and subsequently he releases the 50 % community share to Deputy/Assistant Commissioner for distribution to the communities, remaining 50 % is retained by the GBFD. At present. Royalty is Rs 40/cft for deodar, Rs 30/cft for Kail and Rs 19/cft for fir.and spruce. The rules of distributing Royalty is different in different areas. In some areas it is distributed among all the population (male, female and children). Yet in other areas royalty is distributed among male members only. But in most cases it is distributed among all the members of the population. In addtion to royalty owners aslo get malikana. The malikana is fixed when the agreement is drawn between the owners commiittee and contractor. Malikana is determined on the basis of market rates of timber and it changes with the passage of time. Malikana is also paid on converted timber on per cft basis. Currently the average malikana is Rs. 300 to 400/cubic feet for Deodar and it all goes to owners and forest department has nothing to do with it.
Informal discussions with the forest staff,of Chilas and Darel Tangir Forest Divisions at Babusar village on 26 7-2009 revealed that prior to 1988, the commercial exploitation under working schemes progressed well without any significant illegal damages to forests. After 1988 due to sectarian conflict in Gilgit - Baltistan and the subsequent imposition of ban on commercial harvesting of forests, illegal cutting of forests proceeded on a massive scale. Darel and Tangir being purely a Sunni religious sect, taking advantage of the weakness of civil administration and its inability to enforce writ of the government some of the influential community elders as owners of the private forests solicited support of timber contractors operating in whole sale timber market in Dargai Mandi and Swat and resorted to illegal cutting of forests. After massive illegal cutting of private forests in 1988, these unscrupulous contractors using corrupt practices were successful in getting the permission to release 0.3 million cft illegal timber and sell it in the Dargai timber market. This decision paved way and led to an unending process of illegal cutting of the private forests to the extent of 1.0 million cft in 1992, 3.00 million cft in 1998. Presently it is estimated that another 4.0 million illegally cut wood is awaiting decision for disposal.
Massive illegal cutting of forests from fragile upper Indus River catchments and dumping of illegal timber in scattered stacks all along the Karakoram highway from Chilas to Dasu in Indus Kohistan presents a pathetic scene to the incoming and outgoing tourists travelling on this road who are unable to understand the source of these timber supplies in the backdrop of desolated, sun scorched rocky mountains devoid of any vegetation. While the foot-prints of old civilizations that passed through these areas are preserved as art carvings on rocks, the foot prints of modern civilization are visible in the form of ruthless deforestation.
In the present situation, Gilgit- Baltistan Forest Department has become a defacto organization to promote the interests of the timber mafia rather than advance its basic mandate of the sustainable management of forests. The Department has no power or authority to take management decisions based on technical principles. Its territorial staff all the times remain entangled in illegal harvesting practices by the vested interests, all the year round, with no time to spend in the forests contributing towards forest protection, conservation and natural regeneration. All the year round, FD staff remains busy in illegal harvesting practices by the vested interests, and in making inventories of the illegally wood dumped in desolate roadside depots all over the Karakoram highway and hauled all the way down from once dense lush green forests in Thore, Thack, Hudor, Khiner and other valleys. If the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest Department is delegated the authority to manage the private and protected forests in NA, then it would require capacity building and institutional strengthening through induction of additional staff for better management planning and technical decision making.
The prevailing notion that primitive tribal communities in Darel and Tangir are responsible to illegally cut and sell their forests to earn their livelihood is not true. The concept of conservation is not alien to tribal culture. They have been living in these areas since centuries and are quite aware of the importance of natural assets and their vulnerabilities. About 95 % of the communities owning these forests are not involved in the massive deforestation. There appears a trust-deficit between the local communities and the owners. As per customary law and the 1952 accession deed, all forests in Darel and Tangir are the property of the communities and not the government, this needs to be honored in true letter and spirit. Given the existing uncertain situation, and continuous ban on commercial harvesting, the best way of managing these forests is to involve custodian communities in their management. This would require a new legal and regulatory framework that empowers local communities to be at the forefront of decision making process related to all aspects of forest management, protection, conservation, natural regeneration and commercial exploitation. Gilgit Baltistan Forest Department has neither the capacity nor the authority to enforce proper management and governance of the natural forests. Local communities owning these forests have to be made part of the decision making processes
Summary
Private, dry temperate forests in Diamir district in Gilgit – Baltistan as per 1952 Accession Deed are the property of the local communities with technical management assigned to the Forest Department. Prior to 1988, commercial exploitation of these forests under working schemes (a sort of harvesting plan) progressed well without any massive cutting except for local bonafide uses. After 1988, sectarian conflicts in the region weakened law enforcement and governance by the line agencies including Forest Department. This together with the imposition of ban on commercial harvesting induced timber contractors to resort to massive illegal cutting in connivance with few community owners, and then manipulating its release from the Federal Government.
As climate change is unfolding severe impacts on water, agriculture, biodiversity, and the many other factors that provides a basis for people to survive in such climatically vulnerable areas, consolidated efforts are needed at local, regional and global levels to protect total disappearance of remaining forests. The first policy step at national level towards this would be to stop disposal policies of illegal timber issued by the Federal Government that have helped the forest contractors and a minor fraction of community elites to become the key drivers of massive deforestation.
Forests and biodiversity resources in Gilgit Baltistan are important natural assets of national and global significance because of species richness and their strategic location in a very unique geologic setting. This makes these areas as open biological laboratories for not only testing the impact of climate change but apply innovative global financial mechanisms like REDD, PES to generate continuous flow of global benefits and improve the socio-economic conditions of the local communities. As majority of community forest owners (95%) are not benefitting from the massive deforestation which is being pocketed by forest lessees, middlemen and government officials or goes to government exchequer, there is an apparent community readiness in some areas to forgo their demand for commercial exploitation if some compensation mechanisms like PES, REDD are introduced. Other related interventions aiming at reducing the dependence of local communities on forests include: development of alternate energy resources, income generation through skills enhancement, investment on social sectors like education, health, poverty and other local area development initiatives integrated in the overall development plan specific to these areas. However, the promotion of novel financial mechanisms like REDD, PES etc at landscape level would require capacity building of many institutions and stakeholders at the national and local levels.
References
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About the Author
Dr. Bashir Ahmed Wani
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