Air Purifier Reviews – 5 Key Factors Model
Posted by admin in environment on 08 31st, 2009Previously we had 4 key factors but now it is the 5 Key Factors Model. With reference to our most recent post, we have now included Scientific Peer Review as the fifth key factor in our air purifier review model.
Our research indicates that the lack of scientific peer reviews is a major stumbling block to all the interested parties in accepting the claims of air purifier manufacturers, no matter how reputable the latter may be. These interested parties include the scientific community such as indoor air quality specialists, environmentalists (both academics and activists), government agencies like the US EPA and NIOSH, the medical community who manage allergy afflictions etc.
Many will be cheered that this problem is limited to the ionic air purifier industry. But that is quite misguided. Identical problems affects all the other technologies in the air purification industry, including the venerated HEPA and the newer photo-catalytic oxidation methodologies.
It is almost as if, as an intrinsic part of any air purifier review, the scientific peer review is almost like the holy grail of the air purifier industry. The first fortunate manufacturer past the post will almost certainly assume the same fabled supremacy in the multimillion dollar industry.
Given the extreme (no exaggeration here!) importance of a scientific peer review, the biggest mystery is why no one has deemed it worth their while to endeavor a single review. Logically, no air purifier manufacturer has commissioned one since that would void the independence element that is central to a scientific peer review.
What is surprising is why no scientist or researcher, specifically those in the indoor air quality or environmental sciences disciplines who would seem the most knowledgeable to do an air purifier review, considers it worth their effort to do. Air purification technology can be said to be harbingers of nanotechnology. Yet it seems so antiquated that no one deems it worth their while to spend time on a scientific peer review. As a matter of fact, we know that funding is available from the US NIOSH. They are ready to fund anyone who can deliver a professional scientific peer review.
Interestingly, no researcher or scientist seems willing to take on a scientific peer review. This begs the million dollar question. Is the air purification industry simply fantasy and nothing else? One other possibility is that scientists view proving air purification technology as chasing the Holy Grail - a futile pursuit for those with limitless resources? In fact, we have trouble even finding a single comprehensive objective air purifier review.
Stimulating and thought-provoking questions these are, driving us to intense scrutiny with our 5-Key Factors Model. Our despatch, to several air purifier manufacturers, of a detailed survey based on our model met with muted response. But this only encourages us to delve deeper.
To recap, the Air Purifier Review - 5 Key Factors Model is as detailed:
(1) Safety – in relation to the reactive agent
(2) Safety – in relation to unintended by-products
(3) Efficacy – the reactive agents work in the lab
(4) Efficiency – the reactive agents work in the real world
(5) Scientific Peer Review.
Each factor of our air purifier review model has been elucidated in detail in distinct Ezine articles which you can read via the widget on our blog. Thousands of our readers have also published our Ezine write-ups on their own blogs for their own subscriber base. If you have not read or published the full set of 5, you are welcomed to.
Also, please register at our blog as well as we are about to launch our first product review utilising the Air Purifier Review - 5 Key Factors Model.
read comments (0)Can we save the planet by algae oil?
Posted by admin in environment on 08 30th, 2009Can oil made by algae save the planet?
In our green real estate section we usually try to focus on environmentally friendly ideas for our homes. However, this time it will be about some interesting research, which can help us to get rid of the feelings of guilt connected with driving our oil guzzling cars. Oil is an important ingredient of our everyday lives. Almost everybody in the developed world has a car, which is a fundamental part of everyday life, and so do I, as most of the realtors who have to drive around their region on a daily basis. Picture a life without a car - isn’t it nearly impossible? Of course, the two fundamental problems of driving are well-known: prices driven up and down because of unsound oil supplies, and the environmental damage caused by fuel burning and emissions of carbon dioxide.
Craig Venter is an American biologist and also a prosperous enterpreneur who founded The Institute for Genomic Research. The main topic of his work is genetic engineering. A great deal of heated debate has been caused by his latest project.
A number of experiments have already been concerned with biofuels, some of them also with natural oil created by algae. Venter has ambitions to go further. He is trying to modify the genomic structure of algae in order to produce oil, which is nearly identical to traditional crude oil. If that works out, we could use the existing refineries and other oil industry infrastructure already available. Also plastics could be made the same way as from crude oil refining, using the same production plants. It is no wonder that Exxon Mobile, one of the biggest oil producing companies on the planet, gave him a $600 million subsidy to go on with his research.
Now your concern might be, where is the ecological benefit? Well, right here. The oil produced by algae may well contribute to solving one of the most difficult problems of our world. Plants take the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, use it in a photosynthesis process to create the oil and then the oil is burned and changed into oxalates. Of course, this miracle solution won’t be available this or next year, but definitely it is a good way to go. The team of Craig Venter are trying to succeed where others have tried and failed, but this time there is a good chance of success. There are plenty of people in Canada and elsewhere that would love to go easy on the environment, but due to their occupation, it is very difficult for them to stop using cars, just like my Toronto real estate colleagues can’t.
Reducing The Carbon Footprint Of Reading With E-Book Readers
Posted by admin in environment on 08 27th, 2009The US book and magazine industry was responsible for the felling of 125 million trees in 2008. Many publishing firms are environmentally aware and use sustainably sources for their paper supply. In simple terms, they plant a new tree for every one they cut down. However, not all do this and even those who do usually fail to take account of the large quantities of water and thermal energy used in the production of the paper.
The carbon footprint of the average book is 7.5 kg of CO2 during the course of its lifetime. However, if you jump in your car, drive down to the bookstore, purchase your book, and then drive home again, that book’s carbon footprint is immediately doubled. It’s surprising that such relatively small actions like this make such a large difference.
So it should be no surprise to learn that electronic book readers – such as the Amazon Kindle – are kinder to the environment. Apart from the fact that no paper, ink or water are used in the production of electronic books, the delivery method – download from the internet using either standard connection or 3G wireless technology – is much more environmentally friendly.
Of course, it would be wrong to suggest that e-book readers have no environmental impact. Clearly they consume both materials and energy during the manufacturing process of the reader device. Additionally, they require electrical power when in use. However, even taking these factors into consideration, they are still much better for the environment than the continued use of traditional printed books, magazines and newspapers.
It is estimated that in 2009, e-book readers will be “carbon neutral” – the CO2 saved by the use of electronic media will almost exactly balance the CO2 used to manufacture and power the devices. Looking forward to the not so distant future, as usage increases, the manufacture and operating “cost” will be more than offset by the savings achieved by avoiding the manufacture and distribution of conventional paper based books and magazines.
The majority of people will purchase their Kindle reader based on the fact that it’s convenient, trendy and that it offers a way for them to save money on books. The fact that it’s better for the environment may only be a secondary consideration for many – even so, it will have a very positive impact in the future.
SOLAR ENERGY DEBATE HEATS UP
Posted by admin in environment on 08 24th, 2009The world’s demand for all energy forms is anticipated to increase by fifty four per cent over the next two decades, according to forecasts by the US Energy Information Administration.Another long-term forecast from the EIA puts world electricity demand in 2025 at nearly twice what it is now.
Coal, oil and natural gas are among the fossil fuels which provide most of the world’s energy.These release energy when burnt but carbon dioxide is also released into the air during the burning process.These traditional energy resources won’t last forever and are not renewable and burning them leads to emissions which harm the environment, therefore there is a growing need to develop renewable energy sources such as wind, water, solar and geothermal.
Energy from the sun that reaches the surface of the earth is 6 000 times the amount of energy needed on earth a day. Solar energy has been used by humans to meet some of their energy needs since ancient times, but with growing global concern over environmental issues, it is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Energy from the sun is a workable alternative to the traditional energy sources of fossil fuels, and is mainly used for generating electricity and heating water.
In state-of-the-art city skyscrapers and sports stadia to ordinary homes in the heart of suburbia, solar energy provides a clean and cost-effective solution.For eg, the newly finished 55 000 seater stadium in Taiwan is the world’s first stadium to use solar energy technology to produce power. Built for the 2009 World Games, the gigantic 19-hecare structure has nearly 9 000 solar panels on its roof which will generate sufficient energy to power the building’s 3 300 lights and two enormous television screens.
Now that is solar energy on an enormous scale. For ordinary households however, solar power is a real alternative to conventional sources and can meet domestic energy needs cost-effectively and with very little maintenance.
Solar energy experts, Perth based Solar My World, say that by installing photovoltaic or solar panels on a domestic property, homeowners will ultimately save on electricity, add value to the house and contribute to creating a greener Australia.Two solar power systems, grid connect and off-grid, are available for property owners in Perth.
A grid connect system is usually installed in areas that are more built-up and will supply solar power to a household through an inverter.When the solar system generates power that is surplus to needs, that surplus may be ‘on-sold’ to the electricity grid where appropriate.The other type is a standalone system which uses a battery bank for energy storage.This system is more common in remote outlying areas where people have no or restricted access to traditional power sources.
Solar power systems can be designed for AC or DC, and can be expanded to meet growing needs making them very versatile systems.
Energy is the single largest contributor to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and as environmental concerns grow, the call for people to reduce their own CO2 emissions is growing louder.By using solar energy technology to generate power, the new Taiwanese stadium alluded to earlier in this article, will prevent 660 tons of carbon emissions each year.A decision to install solar panels in our homes could just be the energy needed to save the world.
How Can I Reduce My Electric Bill?
Posted by admin in environment on 08 18th, 2009If you have been concerned about the large electricity bills you have been getting, there are things that you can do about it. You can lower your power costs by following some very simple actions.
Below are several actions you can take to lower your utility bills.
Limit Electricity Use:: When you leave a room, shut off any electrical appliances as well as lights. Even if something is not on but is plugged in, it is consuming electricity. Unplug all chargers and seldom-used appliances.
As Electricity Bills Rise, You Can Still Cut Costs?: Find The Solution Here
Energy saving investments: Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in place of the regular incandescent ones. You can save around $60 a year by using these energy-saving bulbs. Use an energy-saving gadget like The Power-Save. For your showerheads, get low-flow models. Buy a water heater insulating blanket/jacket, especially if the water heater is in an unheated part of the house. Change air filters and keep air conditioner coils clean. Make sure your house is adequately insulated. Modernize your windows, or at least check them for air leaks.
Household Appliances:
• Use the washer only when there is a full load of clothes.
• You’ve heard it before: Use less water!
• Keep the thermostat temperature higher in summer and lower in winter. Even a degree or two can help.
• Turn off the computer monitor even when you take a one-minute break. It takes just a second to switch on the monitor again.
When using your oven, don’t preheat or open the door more than necessary.
Use the dishwasher only when you have a full load and utilize the air-dry option. Not using the heat function for drying can save 20% of the total electric use.
Use cold water for your washing machine.
Swap out your appliances for energy-efficient models.
Your refridgerator is responsible for 20% of the total electricity consumed in the home. Turn it to as close to 37 degrees as possible and make sure it has tight seals.
Try lowering the thermostat on your water heater. One hundred twenty degress (120) F usually works fine.
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Many local power companies offer free home energy audits. An audit can make you aware of how and where your home is wasting electricity.
Remember, reducing your electricity bill is the same as saving energy, thus helping the world conserve energy for its future generations.
Generate power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate or lower your power bill. To get our complete guide, go to:
How Can I Lessen My Energy Bill In the Face of Rising Costs? Discover It Here
Bye Bye Summer
Posted by admin in environment on 08 17th, 2009Do you know what I was thinking of today? The summer holidays are nearly over and September is nearly here. I was looking through a magazine when I noticed the face of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh. Yes thats correct it was because of the 2009 X Factor starting before long. I mean the year has literally gone so quick, it only seems as though the X Factor just finished. And we all acknowledge that the X Factor signals the commencement of the winter time of year. So where has the summer vanished too so fast. I mean I did not live any of it.
Let us briefly cast our minds back, I believe it was in June when we had about a weeks worth of sunshine, but I unfortunatley was not around to experience it on that occasion. We then had lots of rain and then suddenly another huge heat wave hit which lasted for around five days and which I did experience. Since then it has been a constant flow of rain and drizzle.
Well now it looks too late to come back as we head for the Autumn and winter months, so we now have to think about switching on and checking the Central Heating. There are a few things that you should be looking at doing to keep your costs lower this wintertime.
First of all you should order any kind of warming oil you need at once, you may still be able to get some cheaper prices while you get in their ahead of time, secondly is to plan the winter. I acknowledge that a lot of people merely switch the heaters on when they feel it getting a bit chilly, but this is altogether the incorrect thing to do. I mean its not cold every day of the winter, so why run up your bills?
Solar Power: Expense vs Savings
Posted by admin in environment on 08 16th, 2009If you are considering adding a solar electric system to your home, the expense and the savings are significant factors.. First, there is the initial expense of purchasing and putting in the solar panels. But there are also many ways that you will save money, not only with your immediate utility savings, but savings against increasing fuel prices and the increase in your home’s value as well.
Try Installing This Handyman’s System And Save Even More Money On Power Bills
As there are many factors considered in the installation of a solar electric system, every house is evaluated individually. Your roof’s pitch and facing direction must be considered, as well as the location buildings and trees that could keep sunlight from reaching the panels. And an accurate appraisal is key for each system to function at maximum efficiency. You can obtain accurate quotes for your particular site from professional installers for your supplies and installation.
Your initial energy savings will depend on whether or not your local electric company uses net metering. Net metering means the policy which certain power utility companies have in which they buy back surplus electricity that is generated by customers who use solar panels. If your company offers this program, your power bills can be significantly reduced. Some customers actually owe nothing on their monthly bills because their solar energy system generates enough power for them plus extra that goes back into the grid. But even if your electric utility does not provide net metering, your electric bills will still be less than they were before. All day while the sunlight is hitting your solar panels, your appliances are powered with your own solar energy, not electricity from the utility company.
Have A Look At The Report To Building Your Own Solar Energy
There is also the probability that solar electric systems will be considered valuable additions to houses in the near future. As the cost of fuel continues to rise, so does the realization of the value of alternative energy. If you have a history of cost reduction that you can demonstrate to a potential buyer, it can act as a strong inducement for them to choose your home over one that has higher energy operating costs. And since energy prices are predicted to be higher in the future, your solar panel system can serve as a protection against inflation. Having solar energy system also means you won’t have to tolerate the brownouts and power outages that can occur during bad weather or just due to electrical overload.
Did You Know That A Do It Yourself Solar Panel System Is Available To Save You More On Costs?
Your Guide to Where You Are and Where You Are Heading - Environmental Divination
Posted by admin in environment on 08 15th, 2009A drill is a part of a tool that bores holes. It is typically a long pointed piece of metal placed into a machine and rotated at high speed. It is often employed in areas where boring of hard substances such as metal, wood, masonry and rock is needed. One of the important industries where a drill is used is called environmental drilling.
Not too many people are aware of the existence of a concept such as environmental drilling. This term is popular to those who are in the soil boring industries. The popularity of the technique extends to those in monitoring and excavating water wells.
Monitoring water wells and drilling
Water well is one important structure produced from a series of digging, boring driving and drilling processes. By undergoing such processes, people may have access to underground water. The water from the well is drawn through a use of different pump forms including vertical turbine pumps, hand pumps, mechanical pumps and electric submersible pumps. Some people make use of machine or manually driven containers in order to draw water from the well.
Environmental drilling in this sense makes it possible to increase the water volume while taking into consideration the water’s quality as well. Since well water essentially contains more minerals than surface water, treatment may be needed in the process. Water softening treatments are essential to remove arsenic, manganese and iron out of the water.
More on the concept of drilled water wells
Wells can be drilled by using manual or hand drilling techniques such as jetting, hand percussion, sludging and augering. At times, machine drilling with the use of a rotary, down-the-hole hammer and percussion may also be employed. Drilling is essential in taking out more water into the well because the process can go deeper into digging the holes out of a surface. In fact, one may drill one hundred meters more through drilling than when using other techniques.
One of the most popular machines used in environmental drilling for water wells is the electric pump. This is used in almost all parts of the globe most specifically in rural areas. There are also different styles used in drilling wells including top-head and table rotary. Others make use of drilling machines with cable tools to get the desired outcome from the procedure. When a shallow drilling machine is used, it is placed atop trucks or trailers. These deep wells can go as deep as 3,000 feet below the ground.
Resource Author Francisco R. Higueras
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Save our future generation with wide use of solar lights
Posted by admin in environment on 08 14th, 2009The range of solar lights has grown to the stage when you can create your touch of style. When designing the landscape for your garden and home, it is important to choose the right style for yourself. Below are the different types of styles:
Style 1: Fun and Creative
Fun and Creative Style is usually created by brilliant striking colours such as orange and easily to carry around without plugging into soil or tied to another object. One great item that fits this style is Solar Pot of various patterns on them such as bubbles and flowers. Simply place them on a table or any other flat platform like a normal flower pots and let sunlight shines on them. You can add few stalk of floral item in the centre of the pot to further beautify. At night, it glows in the dark, perfect for a candlelight dinner, without polluting the air and table with wax like real candles.
Style 2: Nature Blending
If you are a nature-lover, you will love nature blending style. The main body of the solar lights are made of stone or synthetic plastic flowers/insects (like butterflies). No matter for outdoor or indoor, image of the stone plays an important role in bringing our mind back to the nature and fills the surrounding with a sense of tranquility. Solar Flower/Insect LED String Light also have the same effect as stone. Best place for them is on the patio, wall or fence. Add a small water fountain using Solar water pump to bring the natural water flowing sound to your garden and home. I love to have all these to complete my “Nature Blending” home.
Style 3: Poised and Shiny
Poised and shiny style really raises the level of your market value and projects an impression of a high profile apartment. With the perfectly polished stainless steel body and sometimes curvy body, it is no wonder it made people view your landscape with envy. If you want your office or home looked poised, plant them along the walkway that has bright sunlight to impress your visitor.
Style 4: Enchanting
Bring back the memory of an enchanted gardens or labyrinth from fantasy stories and movie into your own gardens with enchanting style. Place some enchanted creatures like dwarf using Solar Garden Gnomes and angels using Fairy Solar Lights around your gardens to instill a sense of mystic. Other wonders that you can use to enchant is Lighthouse Solar Lights and Rome Solar Lights, both stands tall between 1 - 2 metres. These creates a sense of “off the beaten track” type of feeling.
Decide on your style for different corner of your house and garden. Each of the design can give a unique impression. Do your own review by looking for designs on the web or newspaper. You may also like to write in to me for more advice some finding the right style to suit your landscape and personality.
Paul Low is the founder for BrilliantSolarLights.com, an Online Solar Lighting Store specialized in wide range of solar lights with design from contemporary to exotic style. He is also a partner for Earth Day Network, actively support the global green movement. You are welcome to visit his blog to view interesting writeup on latest trend in solar lights or send your query on Solar Lights to his email at paul.low1@gmail.com.
PRINT YOUR WAY TO A BETTER WORLD
Posted by admin in environment on 08 13th, 2009For some people, ‘going green’ is more of a fashion choice rather than a concern for the environment.Truth is, green matters do matter.
Global warming and its effects are increasingly making headlines.Whilst the experts don’t necessarily agree in their assessments of climate change and its implications, there seems little doubt that the earth is getting warmer and something needs to be done. .
Global warming is caused by burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating, transport etc. which produces greenhouse gases.Greenhouse gases are measured in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide, and a carbon footprint is the measure of the impact our activities have on the environment.In 14 years, between 1990 and 2004, global carbon emissions increased 28%.
Each person in Australia now emits over 5 tonnes of carbon annually. An average motorcar emits over four tonnes of C02 each year.Electricity use alone in an average Australian household produces about seven tonnes of greenhouse gases each year.
There are many ways of reducing our carbon footprint, and it is incumbent on each of us to make an effort.Our primary footprint is that of our own daily lifestyle and our secondary footprint is the one we contribute to via our purchasing choices.We can buy environmentally sensitive products.
There are companies taking the lead through positive environmental actions.
Online printer cartridge and consumables supply company, Earthink.com.au has a effortless, easy way for you to offset carbon emissions.They donate part proceeds of every printer cartridge purchased from them to Carbon Neutral which plants native trees across Australia to absorb CO2.Trees also help prevent soil erosion and salinity and help balance groundwater tables.Earthink has over two thousand products from printer cartridges to printer ribbon, making it easy to save the environment and save on home or office printing costs too.
And their ‘green’ footprint is backed by a comprehensive customer support programme, product assurance and secure purchasing processes.
One tonne of carbon dioxide will take six trees to absorb it.It costs Carbon Neutral $3.00 to plant a tree, and thus far, they have already grown over 30 million native trees during the past 30 years.Earthink can help you reduce your carbon emissions.Buying your printer cartridges from Earthink.com.au, you will make a contribution to turning Australia green.
