tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192102552011-11-25T04:38:26.077ZArtcles regarding environmentally friendly practices, self sufficiency, sustainable and renewable energy. The technology, new developments, and anything else I can think of!!!Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.comBlogger311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-75823489419572909822008-01-16T09:56:00.000Z2008-01-16T09:57:35.616Z

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology.  For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.It covers:The best blogging techniques.How to get traffic to your blog.How to turn your blog into money.I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-7192216807429567182007-07-24T16:45:00.000+01:002007-07-24T16:53:57.839+01:00

How about installing a small program, that can help you better manage your computers power?According to LocalCooling.com More than 30 billion kilowatt-hours of energy is wasted because many of us simply forget to shut down our computers when we’re not using them. If we could just improve the efficiency of how we use our PCs, the savings in energy costs would be over $3 billion dollars! The CO2

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-3517545422966789442007-06-19T09:51:00.000+01:002007-06-19T10:30:16.263+01:00

I while ago I wrote about green roofs in 'Time to mow the roof', well, totally by chance I stumbled upon this UK company that will supply a sedum planted roof for your garden buildings. They build and supply a whole range of garden buildings, sheds and wooden garages, and will make them with this sedum roof to order, they can also retro fit an existing building if it is suitable.Sedum is a

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-3683658119309856972007-06-12T20:06:00.000+01:002007-06-12T20:10:31.069+01:00

It had never really occurred to me that the words 'environmentally friendly' could be applied to so many aspects of artificial lighting until I was asked to take a look at the products supplied by a company called Starry Night Lights (http://www.starrynightlights.com/). They specialise in products that reduce light pollution, and are also environmentally friendly.Now if you are a budding

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-40177562002232852382007-04-25T08:51:00.000+01:002007-04-25T09:12:07.659+01:00

It's now the UK's 3rd National Downshifting Week!The basic principle of downsizing and sustainable living is this; If you slow down, or downshift your way of life, then you'll automatically be improving the quality of your life, reduce stress, and also benefit the environment.There's far more to it than my simplistic description, but it is explained far better in this free ebook (PDF) that you

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-84159613971829224802007-03-27T13:56:00.000+01:002007-03-27T14:08:47.117+01:00

Well if you know anything about hemp, then you know of its incredible properties, and mutltitude of uses. This is one of the most sustainable crops available, and if laws were relaxed a little could do so much more to help with current environmental issues. Anyway, the biggest UK exhibition is almost upon us:5th, 6th and 7th of May 2007, at the Telford International Centre.The UK's biggest and

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-69151685429427538542007-03-21T09:48:00.000Z2007-03-21T11:19:02.599Z

Being environmentally conscious, and/or self sufficient is not just about installing solar panels to your roof (although admirable), for those that are serious it also means you can get to try many creative activities too!It gives you the opportunity of reconditioning items, turning old things into new and prolonging its life, or producing healthier alternatives than bought ones.Such activities

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-19971102613416172252007-03-13T12:01:00.000Z2007-03-13T12:04:31.497Z

Photovoltaic cells (for soalr panels) are made from a substance called polysilicon. This substance is actually in short supply at the moment which could lead to inferior solar panels using an alternative silicon compound.More here ...

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-9387296590065806912007-03-06T08:46:00.000Z2007-03-06T09:16:42.335Z

If you have flash installed then take a look at this website, now I understand the sentiment, but using something that does possibly3 miles to the gallon to promote it!Does this seem strange to you, or is it just me? That is probably one of the most environmentally 'un-friendly' vehicles I know of, and in their own words to: 'raise awareness of environmental issues'! Can you say the word 'irony' 

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-31451783756546481252007-02-19T09:30:00.000Z2007-03-06T09:16:11.739Z

The UK Government recently announced their support for continued nuclear development as the way forward for 'greener' energy, including the building of more power stations. This was after 'consultation' (I use that word loosely!) with the appropriate bodies, and looking at relevent 'facts' and figures etc.This descision was opposed by many groups, including Greenpeace who challenged the descision

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-65040441268238084332007-01-31T09:48:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:00:45.998Z

As usual, CAT (Centre for Alternative Technologies) have their 2007 course schedule up on their website. I'd urge anyone with an interest in the environment, sustainable builiding and technologies, or green living to go take a look and perhaps sign up for something that interests them. It is a fantastic way to learn something new, help your own understanding and environment, plus help support a

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-28029354288762011052007-01-23T10:43:00.000Z2007-01-23T11:16:29.258Z

Earlier in the month I talked about software, and whether it could be environmentally friendly. Well, staying on a techie theme, here is an interesting article from WinBeta that was passed on to me by a friend regarding the colour of web pages of all things!The example given uses Google, but it applies to all web pages, and to be honest I was amazed!An all white web page uses about 74 watts to

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-31332012519187426922007-01-08T09:23:00.000Z2007-01-23T11:17:40.673Z

Well, lets start off with a happy new year to you all!I work in the IT industry, and have always had more than a passing interest in software ... or more precisely, free software. I think everybody loves something for nothing!But what has this to do with being green, or environmentally friendly?The answer to this can easily be seen by just walking around the software department of any large

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1151568133171323362006-05-29T08:50:00.000+01:002007-01-23T11:20:34.048Z

green.tv is the first website to bring together films from a whole range of environmental organisations and independent filmmakers and make them available to anyone anywhere.You'll need a broadband connection to take full advantage of the green.tv website, but if you do have, then it is well worth a visit.It is currently still in beta, but the film quality is excellent and the information

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1142523962843840382006-03-16T15:26:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:24:48.918Z

Press releaseSolarcentury's integrated solar photovoltaic tile, C21e wins the coveted 'Best Sustainable Product Award' at Ireland's Construct Building Exhibition.Last week solarcentury won Best Sustainable Product Award for their C21e solarelectric fully integrated roofing tile at Construct, Northern Ireland's major construction show. Following Secretary of State, Peter Hain's

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1141307235971879402006-03-02T13:43:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:23:13.550Z

So, you want to do your bit for the environment and use renewable energy, but you can't afford to install solar, wind, or other means of green power in your home - what can you do?Well, there is something you can do, you can do it right now, and you can make a difference!With the deregulation of the UK's energy market you can choose who supplies your electricity, and make your voice heard with

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1140536406938163732006-02-21T15:11:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:26:19.087Z

The Homebuilding and Renovating Show is being held at the National Exhibition Center (NEC), from the 2nd to the 5th March 2006, and includes The Green Village.In the words of the shows organisers:"Make your ultimate dream home a reality now. Whether you are building a home from scratch, extending or improving your existing home or taking on a conversion or renovation development - The National

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1135159989666487302006-01-14T09:55:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:31:30.904Z

Building for a Future (Winter 2005/6 Edition) is a quarterly magazine that provides information to help you create healthy and ecological homes and buildings, or as the magazine states on its cover, it's: "the independent journal for 'green building' professionals andenthusiasts". I have always had a 'green' outlook and understanding, yet am relatively new to much of this applied specifically to

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1136821552244747772006-01-09T15:31:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:40:32.494Z

David Cameron the new Conservative Party leader has commissioned eco-architect Alex Michaelis to give his new property in Notting Hill, London, an environmental makeover.The re-design will include photovoltaic panels, solar water heating, additional insulation, rainwater and grey water harvesting, as well as a wind turbine and more efficient glass to be fitted. This isn't a promotion for any

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1136285023877148032006-01-01T08:00:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:43:12.563Z

Happy New Year!I hope you're all enjoying a happy and enjoyable holiday season.It'll soon be time to take down those christmas cards and decorations, but what will YOU do with your old cards?The Woodland Trust is an organisation dedicated to saving our UK woodlands and ancient trees. They are again running a scheme to collect and recycle all our old Christmas cards. Last year, they collected 58

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1134130597222083652005-12-20T09:00:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:46:18.320Z

We have all heard of Solar power, but what is it, how does it work, and why use it?Solar is defined as; derived from or related to the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun. Therefore, anything that manages to harness the power of the sun may be called Solar Power.The 3 Main Types of Solar PowerThere are 3 main types of solar energy systems:Solar Water Heating.Solar Cells (Photovoltaic).Solar

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1134648227012306582005-12-15T11:19:00.000Z2007-01-31T09:48:07.103Z

The Center for Alternative Technology (CAT) now have their 2006 course list online. Several of the courses also lead to recognised qualifications such as City & Guilds for example.The courses cover alternative energy, materials, system installation, green home building, sustainability and more. Some of the courses on offer include:Heating with Wood FuelsEnergy AwarenessMake your own BiodieselThe

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1133958961544217032005-12-07T11:38:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:20:52.218Z

Christmas can be a tough when you have to decide what to buy for that 'someone special' in your life. So, I have compiled a short list of some green and eco-friendly UK sites that may well be of interest or provide inspiration. This list is by no means comprehensive, just a taster of what is available.Green Warehouse - A good selection, including a good choice of personal hygeine products.The

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1133954014942418702005-12-07T11:00:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:22:39.214Z

Do you have someone green in your life?! Then the Green Building Bible from Green Building Press has to be the ultimate gift for the person who has an interest or wishes to build, renovate or adapt their home into a more eco-friendly property.Subjects covered in detail are: materialselection; thermal insulation; buying an eco-home; sourcing sustainable timber; natural paints; heating your

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1133347179692090232005-11-30T10:21:00.000Z2007-06-19T10:33:11.538+01:00

From a green perspective a grass roof has many benefits, including insulation, sound proofing, and roof durability. CAT Publications produce a DIY Tipsheet that gives;'A detailed DIY guide, with materials list and pros and cons'. At only (GBP) £0.50 it is a bargain to boot!So, if you've ever wondered how to tackle such a project on an existing building, or are planning a build from scratch, then

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1133342202078750532005-11-30T07:05:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:27:19.074Z

This time of year I start to notice the increasing number of properties being dressed for Christmas. Is it really necessary to illuminate the whole street for a month or more? Especially when we should all be more aware of our own energy consumption and the willful wastage of fossil fuels and increased CO2 emissions (greenhouse gases).Consider using decorative LED lights which are very energy

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1133268009267942862005-11-29T11:25:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:29:49.458Z

Fuel cell technology has been with us a long time - invented by a welshman named William Grove in 1839. Despite the technology being around for the last 150 years, it's true potential and actual use has been limited, in fact, practically none existent.NASA employed the use of fuel cell technology as early as the Apollo missions, some submarines have used them since the 1980's, and most car

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1132757502966896602005-11-23T14:07:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:31:16.447Z

solarcentury are the UK's leading supplier of photovoltaic panels (solar panels that are able to produce electricity). This year named as the 25th fastest growing British technology company by the Sunday Times, they have completed many installations all over the UK both commercial and domestic.solarcentury are completely independent from the fossil-fuel industry, and their 50+ member team at the

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1132754282741065002005-11-23T13:38:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:33:14.116Z

Freerain is a UK based company that specialises in what is called Rainwater Harvesting. This is quite simply collecting the rainwater that falls onto your roof in a suitable tank for later use. The water passes through a primary filter before entering the tank, and is then pumped back out of the tank by a submergable pump when required. Along with the environmental benefits and the cost of water

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1132737881287749802005-11-23T09:04:00.000Z2007-01-31T10:58:29.354Z

With Christmas just around the corner, how about an educational toy/building kit as a gift? Suitable for 11 years to Adult, and teaches you (amongst other things) about sustainable energy ... I'd love one!The Power House stocked by Mindware has 20 building projects, and 70 experiments to complete. This mini eco house project includes solar panels, windmill, water heating, a greenhouse, and much

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19210255.post-1134382498145776202005-11-22T09:00:00.000Z2006-01-20T09:57:54.016Z

Articles• Fuel Cell Technology - Basics of Fuel Cells• Solar Power Part 1 - The basic methods of collectiing the sunProducts and Services• Sustainable Energy Education - Educational toy with a difference!• Reducing Your Water Consumption - Rainwater harvesting systems• Welcome To The Solar Cetury! - A UK solar system supplier• Time To Mow The Roof? - The 'how to' of turf roofing• Green Building

Andy Taylornoreply@blogger.com