So, as many of you US people may know, President Obama signed the stimulus package into law yesterday. What I want you to notice is just how much of it is on energy and environmental concerns!
(Okay, so I tried to upload an image of the page so you could see it here, but Blogger's having problems. I will try again later!)
Source: CNN.com
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Today we have this list from Big Green Purse detailing the Top Ten Ways to De-Ice your driveway. For your convenience on this blog, I’ve narrowed down the list to the easiest (and most affordable!) options on the list.
“What’s wrong with rock salt?
* Excess salts build up in the soil, just as they do with chemical fertilizers.
* Salt residue prevents plants from absorbing moisture and nutrients.
* Salts can leach heavy metals, which eventually make their way into water supplies.
* Salt on grass or sidewalks close to roads can attract animals, which may be hit by cars if they’re licking the salt from the ground.
* Plus, salt can burn our pets if it lodges in their paws.
Yes, salt does effectively melt snow. But is there a better way?”
1) Shovel! Or, if you are unable, pay a neighbourhood kid a few bucks to help. If you would rather use a snow-blower, buy an electric one. Gas models make noise and air pollution in greater amounts.
2) Scatter sand or birdseed for traction. It won’t melt the snow, but it’ll help you walk. Additionally, with birdseed, you’re doing a good deed for the animals!
3) Scrimp on de-icer!!!!! “Remember, the job of a de-icer is to loosen ice from below to make it easier to shovel or plow. Don’t pile on the de-icer thinking you’ll remove the ice completely. You won’t. The recommended application rate for rock salt is around a handful per square yard you treat. Calcium chloride will treat about 3 square yards per handful.”
4) If at all possible, avoid salt, especially potassium chloride.
5) Don’t use cat litter or wood ash. Neither melt ice or snow, and they will make a big mess when everything melts. Cat litter is also usually full of unsavoury chemicals.
6) Avoid nitrogen-based ureas!!! They are expensive, inefficient, and ineffectual at low temperatures. Also, they make for very bad runoff!
7) “Wear boots that have a solid toe and bottom treads to help increase your grip on icy surfaces. Or try "YakTrax," lightweight, flexible rubber treads studded with steel coil grips so you won't fall. The YakTrax slip over the soles of your shoes like snow chains slip over tires. $19.95 - $29.95 - kids', women's, and men's sizes available.”
If you are in the mood for a giant upgrade, or if you are in the process of redoing your driveway, here is the most expensive and involved tip:
“Try a 'snow melt mat.' If you’re installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, lay down electric wires to heat the driveway from below and radiate heat upwards. Yes, you pay for electricity, so it’s not as “eco” as shoveling by hand. On the other hand, it may be better than using chemicals that pollute the water and endanger plants and pets. It would cost someone living in the Washington, DC area (where I live) about $14 in electricity each time the system was used – though that doesn’t include the cost of installing the system. Electricity costs will vary by region. (NOTE: I’m not recommending you tear up a perfectly good driveway to put in a snow melt system!)”
“What’s wrong with rock salt?
* Excess salts build up in the soil, just as they do with chemical fertilizers.
* Salt residue prevents plants from absorbing moisture and nutrients.
* Salts can leach heavy metals, which eventually make their way into water supplies.
* Salt on grass or sidewalks close to roads can attract animals, which may be hit by cars if they’re licking the salt from the ground.
* Plus, salt can burn our pets if it lodges in their paws.
Yes, salt does effectively melt snow. But is there a better way?”
1) Shovel! Or, if you are unable, pay a neighbourhood kid a few bucks to help. If you would rather use a snow-blower, buy an electric one. Gas models make noise and air pollution in greater amounts.
2) Scatter sand or birdseed for traction. It won’t melt the snow, but it’ll help you walk. Additionally, with birdseed, you’re doing a good deed for the animals!
3) Scrimp on de-icer!!!!! “Remember, the job of a de-icer is to loosen ice from below to make it easier to shovel or plow. Don’t pile on the de-icer thinking you’ll remove the ice completely. You won’t. The recommended application rate for rock salt is around a handful per square yard you treat. Calcium chloride will treat about 3 square yards per handful.”
4) If at all possible, avoid salt, especially potassium chloride.
5) Don’t use cat litter or wood ash. Neither melt ice or snow, and they will make a big mess when everything melts. Cat litter is also usually full of unsavoury chemicals.
6) Avoid nitrogen-based ureas!!! They are expensive, inefficient, and ineffectual at low temperatures. Also, they make for very bad runoff!
7) “Wear boots that have a solid toe and bottom treads to help increase your grip on icy surfaces. Or try "YakTrax," lightweight, flexible rubber treads studded with steel coil grips so you won't fall. The YakTrax slip over the soles of your shoes like snow chains slip over tires. $19.95 - $29.95 - kids', women's, and men's sizes available.”
If you are in the mood for a giant upgrade, or if you are in the process of redoing your driveway, here is the most expensive and involved tip:
“Try a 'snow melt mat.' If you’re installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, lay down electric wires to heat the driveway from below and radiate heat upwards. Yes, you pay for electricity, so it’s not as “eco” as shoveling by hand. On the other hand, it may be better than using chemicals that pollute the water and endanger plants and pets. It would cost someone living in the Washington, DC area (where I live) about $14 in electricity each time the system was used – though that doesn’t include the cost of installing the system. Electricity costs will vary by region. (NOTE: I’m not recommending you tear up a perfectly good driveway to put in a snow melt system!)”
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Winter Weather Advisory
This week, I’m focusing on winter weather tips! I know it’s a little late in the season, but some places are still having really horrible weather. Here’s a tip from Green Is Sexy on improving your gas mileage when it snows:
“Winter is in full swing and if you live in a climate that gets snow, reduce your impact on the environment by making sure that snow stays off the roof of your car. Inches of snow add significant drag, making your car less aerodynamic, which consumes more fuel. Help reduce your fuel consumption and keep money in your pocket by helping your car drive as unencumbered as possible. Another perk? Removing excess drag from your car will make for a quieter drive down the highway for you! Thanks to Alex Grasic for suggesting this tip!”
Comin’ atcha again tomorrow! Love, SNG
“Winter is in full swing and if you live in a climate that gets snow, reduce your impact on the environment by making sure that snow stays off the roof of your car. Inches of snow add significant drag, making your car less aerodynamic, which consumes more fuel. Help reduce your fuel consumption and keep money in your pocket by helping your car drive as unencumbered as possible. Another perk? Removing excess drag from your car will make for a quieter drive down the highway for you! Thanks to Alex Grasic for suggesting this tip!”
Comin’ atcha again tomorrow! Love, SNG
Friday, June 27, 2008
Drive Fifty-Five
This one is as easy as the title: 55 mph really is the magic number.
Of course, the actual number differs depending on engine, etc., but everyone says it's really close to actually being 55 mph. At least, above 60 mph you're wasting lots of fuel efficiency. The difference between 55 mph and 75 mph is almost 20% fuel efficiency.
Sure, you might have to leave earlier, but isn't that sometimes worth it for the safety and extra cash that driving slower provides, not to mention the impact on the Earth that comes from using less fossil fuels?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Transportation, Part Deux
So, we've covered hypermiling and some transportation alternatives to owning and using a car every day.
Next up: telecommuting!
For some people, this tip isn't possible. Most people just have to be at work to do anything. But for others, there's telecommuting.
Telecommuting is basically working from home, doing the same tasks you would if you were actually at work. Some people who telecommute do this once or twice a week and work in an office the rest of the time. Others don't even have an office to go to, and spend much of their time working at home.
If your job allows it, telecommuting can save you a lot of gas and travel. Think about it: driving to and from work in rush-hour traffic (all that idling...) and driving to and from lunch take up a lot of time and resources!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Theme this week: Transportation! Again!
So, I wrote a bit about cars and hypermiling last time. This time, we're going to talk about alternate modes of transportation.
Here are my top five favorite ideas:
1) Walking! If the place you're going is near home and in a low-traffic area, try walking. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it'll help keep you looking trim.
2) Biking! Safer for more mid-traffic areas than walking, and you can go a bit longer distances easier.
3) Scooters! This is one I personally covet: the Vespa option. If you've got the cash flow, a Vespa can go up to between 60-80 mph (depending on model) and usually get around 60-70 mpg. That's not bad! And they're really nice-looking...
4) Mass transit! Now, where I live, mass transit doesn't even exist. In several states, the best you can do is a kind-of-crappy cab service, and that's usually only in the biggest metro areas. But, if there is a good bus or subway in your area, please take it!
5) ZipCar! This is a very limited option, which is why I ranked it last. With ZipCar, users do sort of a timeshare on a car that is parked in your area. Just reserve it and go! Definitely try checking out www.zipcar.com for availability in your area.
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