o
s
s
i
l
F
u
e
l
s
i
p
s
Microorganisms One Part Of The Solution To Energy Problem
Alternative Energy > General > Tips Tip #10, Article #16
The answer to one of the world's largest problems -- the need for clean, renewable sources of energy -- might just come from some of the world's smallest inhabitants -- bacteria -- according to a new report, Microbial Energy Conversion, released by the American Academy of Microbiology...
How gas prices work
Conserve Energy > Car > Tips Tip #9, Article #15
Tracking gas prices can feel like a roller coaster ride. They're down a little one month, up the next, before shooting up more than 30 percent in a year. Plus, they're different depending on where you look. Other countries, and even other states and cities, can have very different gas prices from your local Gas-N-Go. To the average person, it probably seems as though there's little rhyme or reason to how gas prices are determined. In this article, we will look at the forces that impact the price of gas at the pump, and we'll find out where your gas money actually goes.
Make a solar power generator for less than $300
Alternative Energy > Solar > Tips Tip #8, Article #13
While it can no where near power your whole house, this $300 "build-it-yourself" solar power generator guide will help you power "radios, fans, and small wattage lights all night, or give you about 5 hours of continuous use at 115 volt AC, or about an hour boiling water" (Heiple). The same system can be applied to set-ups with larger solar panels (shorten charge time) and bigger batteries (increase charge capacity).
Gas Saving Products- Facts or Fuelishness?
Conserve Energy > Car > Tips Tip #7, Article #12
Linked is a great article on how consumer demand for gas saving "products" has bred some intersting scams, which claim to offer products that improve gas mileage! "[T]he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage" (Ciulla). Read the linked article for some admonishments as well as some suggestions for saving gas in less risky ways.
20 Ways to Conserve Energy
Conserve Energy > House > Tips Tip #6, Article #11
There is currently a big movement in California to conserve energy. With heavy government involvement, Californians are becoming more concious about their energy use. Sites like http://www.fypower.org/ and http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/saving_energy/index.html are very influential in this process. Whether you're from California or not, you still need to be conserving energy! In addition to the previous links, linked to this article is a list of 20 additional things you can do around the house to conserve energy.
Build your own windmill
Alternative Energy > Wind > Tips Tip #5, Article #8
A comprehensive guide to harnessing the wind for yourself. Includes everything you need to know, from planning how much power you'll get to blade design. The web site also provides links to other great wind power sites.
Microgeneration next?
Alternative Energy > General > Tips Tip #4, Article #7
This article suggests that the future of energy lies with microgeneration, meaning mini-wind mills and solar panels among other small scale technologies.
Conserve gasoline with this list of gas saving tips
Conserve Energy > Car > Tips Tip #3, Article #6
If you have to do several things in one day, attempt to do them all in one trip, if possible. While the engine is still cool, it requires more gasoline and less air, and therefore uses more gasoline. When the engine becomes warm, it can run on less gas and more air, saving fuel. Keep track of your car's mileage: if it changes drastically, follow the above steps and then go see your mechanic if you can't figure out why. Drive at 55 M.P.H. It saves gas. Eliminate unnecessary cargo. Hauling heavy loads in the trunk or inside the car will lower your gas mileage. Read the label the federal government requires on new cars the next time you shop for a vehicle. It tells a model's estimated city and highway mileage so that you can ...
Energy saving light bulbs
Conserve Energy > House > Tips Tip #2, Article #2
Energy saving light bulbs can last up to ten times longer than ordinary light bulbs. They work by using less electricity but give the same light output as other bulbs and therefore save money - around ?5.00 - ?10.00 on each light over a year depending on usage. If you are buying a new appliance such as a washing machine, tumble dryer or fridge you can find information on their energy efficiency by checking the Energy label. All appliances must now display this information. A rated appliances are the most energy efficient and although these appliances may cost more, will give in savings in both energy and cash. There are other practical measures you can take to save energy. Always wait until you have a full load before operating the washing machine, and use a 40 degree wash most of the ti ...
Conserve fuel in your home with better insulation
Conserve Energy > House > Tips Tip #1, Article #1
Reducing the amount of fuel you use for heating can often be achieved by insulating your home. Good insulation will keep the heat in the building and drafts and cold out. A lot of heat escapes through doors, windows, walls and the roof of a house. There are a number of cheap and easy measures that can make your home dryer and warmer. For example, if your home has wooden floors, you can fill gaps in floorboards and skirting with newspaper, beading or sealant, and you can eliminate draughts and wasted heat by fixing a brush or seal to your outer doors. The most effective way to insulate your home is to insulate your loft. Most houses already have some loft insulation, but the energy savings will depend on how thick the insulation is. The recommended level of thickness for loft insulation i ...