Anthony Fontanelle asked:


The Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally said last Monday that global warming is real, manmade and caused in part by auto emissions. “The vast majority of data indicates that the temperature has increased, and I believe the correlation and the analysis says that is mainly because of the greenhouse gases keeping the heat in. You can just plot it with the Industrial Revolution and the use of all of our resources,” he said during a telephone press conference.

The conference was called to announce the promotion of Susan Cischke to the newly created post of senior vice president which is responsible for the company’s sustainability, environment and safety engineering. The move, according to Mulally, was meant to underscore the importance of this issue to Ford’s corporate strategy. “It’s about sustainability, it’s about mobility, it’s about safety, it’s about (being) stewards of our environment,” he said. “This is the biggest agenda we have at Ford. I think it’s going to be one of the most important considerations to the customers that buy our products and services going forward.”

Detroit automakers have recognized that climate change is a serious issue that must be addressed. But Mulally’s statement was one of the clearest. “I’m just gratified that it seems like, in the court of public opinion, we have moved to the place where we all are starting to appreciate and agree that this really is an issue, and that we all want to do something about it,” he said. The statement was reiterated last Monday afternoon in an e-mail addressed to Ford employees.

The letter said, “I firmly believe we are at an inflection point in the world’s history as it relates to climate change and energy security. The time for debating whether climate change is real has past. It is time for a conversation about what we, as a society, intend to do to address it.”

To that end, the CEO said that Cischke will oversee a company-wide effort to create a greener Ford. “It’s the product development side, it’s the manufacturing piece, it’s the supplier community - it’s a lot of things. It also includes the working conditions aspect, the human rights issue. It’s balancing the people side of it as well as the economic side and the environmental side and trying to figure out how it fits together,” said Cischke, Ford’s former vice president of environmental and safety engineering. “While we have a clear picture of where we’d like to be in the next five to seven years, I’ve got to look beyond that.”

While environmentalists are positive about Mulally’s openness on global warming, some criticized his choice to lead Ford’s environmental efforts. “We’re a little concerned. Sue Cischke has been Ford’s public face for fighting a lot of things that would help stop global warming,” said the Sierra Club’s Brendan Bell. “Clearly, there is a desire at certain levels of Ford’s management to promote sustainability. But they’re much better at creating new positions than new policies.” Some analysts think that Ford should have the efficiency of its EBC brake rotors in order to be good at braking and avoiding empty promises that have ruined enthusiasts’ trust in the past.

Also Monday, General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said that the U.S. government needs to take a Manhattan Project-like approach to creating a national energy policy, bringing the best minds in the country to bear on the issue of energy sustainability and independence.

Mulally added increasing those regulations only makes sense as part of a broader solution to global warming, one that includes sacrifices by other industries. “We’re only going to make the progress we all want to make if we move this up to include the generation of all energy, as well as the use of the energy.”

While GM has suggested more research needs to be done into the causes of global warming, the company said it is not waiting for the answer. “We’re not waiting for the scientific community to finish its discussion on the specifics of climate change,” said GM spokesman Greg Martin. “As we’ve said from L.A. to Capitol Hill, we see it as both a business necessity and as our obligation to society to develop advanced technologies that run on diverse sources of energy to lessen the automobile’s impact on the environment.”



Anne

Arnold Hexden asked:


Solar power has many more uses around your home than just solar heating. The technology has made significant advances and you can now cook, heat your pool and even refrigerate your groceries using energy from the sun. However, your solar home may have issues that you may be unaware of. In this article, we’ll talk about the economic and environmental benefits and drawbacks of using solar power.

The biggest benefit of solar energy is that the fuel is free and the source is unlimited. There is little to no maintenance required with solar panels because there are no moving parts. In fact, most manufacturers include warranties on their products that are good for up to twenty-five years. In the event of a blackout, solar power is not affected. That means that during extreme storms, your family can still enjoy all the comforts of your solar home.

Environmentally speaking, the use of solar energy produces no emissions because there is no burning of fossil fuels. Solar energy prices are steadily declining and as new technologies emerge, the costs of solar systems will continue to decrease.

It is a fact that solar power home kits have become more commonplace in recent years, however, these kits can be dangerous. As the instructions in these kits are laid out in what seems to be easy-to-follow steps, some people forget the fact that they are working with electricity. To be on the safe side, purchasers of solar home power kits should read the instructions thoroughly.

It is recommended that you hire a professional installer or electrician instead of installing the kit yourself. Professionals have received more training, so they are much more capable of handling the risks that come with using solar power home kits.

It is also worth bearing in mind that although solar electricity is a clean source of power, eventual disposal of the cells is environmentally unfriendly! It is known that most solar cells that are used to create a solar home contain the highly toxic substance known as cadmium. Extreme care should be taken as it can cause serious environmental damage if it’s not disposed of properly.

The supply of sunlight should also be taken into account as with solar power it is imperative. Generally most places do have adequate light to operate with solar panels, but there are areas in the extreme north and south that experience only darkness for up to a month a year.

While solar power is a huge step forward in reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, there are some drawbacks. Like with any investment, consumers should thoroughly research their options and consult professionals. Solar energy is a rapidly advancing technology, so it’s reasonable to assume that the issue of cadmium contamination will be addressed. It’s important to remember that building a solar home is not just a financial investment, but an investment into the future of a clean planet that will sustain generations to come.



Jae

Aristotle asked:


Hello,
I know little on solar power for the home. I understand that it is possible to convert power to chemical form then use it as electricity. My question is, what elements are involved and how is the sizing being done?
I need the power design to power lights (say 10), TV and radio.

Layla

Kathryn Lively asked:


Deep in the Amazon rainforest exist a multitude of herbs, roots and plants used by the natives as alternative remedies. As Americans become more fascinated by alternative methods of healing and health, these herbs are fast becoming popular. Two such by products of the Amazon are Espinheira Santa and Pata de Vaca.

ESPINHEIRA SANTA

What is an Espinheira Santa?

Part of the evergreen family, the Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia) is a shrub-like tree that can grow as high as 16 feet. Indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest, the Espinheira Santa is considered to be quite small when compared to other trees!

What’s so great about Espinheira Santa?

The Espinheira Santa, also known as “Holy Thorn” for its appearance, contains many medicinal qualities that the Amazonian natives have utilized for years. Extracts of the leaves are reported to offer the same relief of antacids and antiulcerogenics, beneficial for those suffering digestive ailments. Espineheira Santa byproducts may also act as analgesics, aiding in pain relief.

Taken internally as a supplement or stewed in a tea, Espinheira Santa offers numerous other health benefits:

* Maytansinoids found in the leaves are known to contribute to antitumorous and anticancerous activities, and have been used in chemotherapy drugs

* Naturally occurring cangorins are known to have anticancerous properties

* Aids in the relief of stomach ailments and constipation

* Aids in the relief of urinary infections and diarrhea

* Believed to help regulate menstrual periods

Does Espinheira Santa cure cancer?

There is yet no research to indicate that Espinheira Santa cures cancer, only that it contains valuable properties for relieving pains and some symptoms found in cancer patients. It is strongly advised that any cancer patients interested in alternative treatment consult with a physician before taking supplements.

Are there side effects to taking Espinheira Santa?

Recent research indicates no common side effects with Espinheira Santa. However, if anyone experiences any adverse reactions while taking this supplement, consult with a doctor immediately.

Enter Espinheira Santa into Internet search and you are bound to find many online shops that sell this herb in supplement form. When you shop for Espinheira Santa make sure you are getting the purest extracts of this herb available, directly from the Amazon Rainforest, in order to receive the full benefits.

PATA DE VACA

Regardless of who you are, your and where you live, ailments like diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances do not discriminate. While in the United States there are sound treatments for these conditions, natives of the Amazon Rainforest region have used natural remedies for centuries. One such herb used is Pata de Vaca, or Cow’s Paw.

What is Cow’s Paw?

The Bahuinia Forticata tree, growing deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, yields Cow’s Paw, or Pata de Vaca. The large, divided leaves of the Bauhinia are thought to resemble a cow’s hoof, hence the name. Drooping white flowers supported by brown seed pods characterize this flower indigenous to the tropical regions of Peru, Brazil and Asia. The Bauhinia tree may grow as tall as 30 feet.

What’s so great about Cow’s Paw?

Like its indirect relative pedra hume, pata de vaca is known for its blood sugar restorative properties. In Amazon folk medicine, pata de vaca leaves are used for hypoglycemic and diuretic purposes. Steeped in a tea, the leaves are known to aid renal discomforts and promote blood purity and urinary health.

Does pata de vaca cure diabetes?

While pata de vaca has been shown to help regulate glucose levels in diabetics (those with onset diabetes more often than juvenile diabetes patients), it is an herbal supplement and therefore is not considered a cure. People with diabetes or other blood ailments interested in pata de vaca should first consult with a physician with regards to supplemental treatments.

Are there side effects associated with pata de vaca?

Recent research indicates no side effects. However, diabetics and people with blood sugar ailments are strongly advised to consult with their physicians before taking any kind of supplement to aid their blood levels.

Where do you buy pata de vaca?

Do an Internet search for pata de vaca and may find a number of online stores offering the herb in various forms - powders, teas, and capsules. If you decide to purchase supplements containing pata de vaca, make sure it is in the purest form available in the US, direct from the Amazon Rainforest. As always, consult with a physician or other nutritional expert before taking.



Karin

mr struggle asked:


I read in the newspaper that the governments of colombia and indonesia are complaining to western countries. The demand for biomass energy makes that big corporations destroy their land. How green is it in this perspective?

Desire

Koz Huseyin asked:


Residential solar energy systems and wind power generators are becoming more popular. More and more people are finding the benefits of generating there own electricity to power there home. There are some situations where you may need both a residential solar energy system and wind power generators. Here we will take a look.

With Solar energy, it can work out good to have in your home, but only if you get a moderate amount of sunlight. This is a similar problem to wind power. Wind power generators are only effective, with a moderate amount of wind.

If you have a lot of sunlight, then a residential solar energy system will be of great benefit, and you will not need to look for alternative sources of energy. Likewise a lot of wind could mean that sticking with a wind power generator may be your best option.

If you find you live in the west of the US, you may have great sunshine, and a residential solar energy system maybe all you need, but what about if you are stuck in a part of the world where blistering sunshine is not a common thing?

In the UK for example, there are summer months with days that are very sunny. Residential solar energy systems are similar to a thermometer. As sunlight is more, and hotter, it means you get more power, less sunlight means less power.

In either case, a deficit will mean you just don’t have power. An option that many homes that switch to wind or solar power decide on is to have a connection to the electric company. This makes a great option, as you can get to have constant electric, and any excess, you maybe able to sell back to the electric company.

If you are in an area that isn’t very sunny or very overcast with clouds, then you may need a wind power generator that can supplement when there is no sun, but a lot of wind. This poses a few extra problems or benefits, however you see it.

Investing in a residential solar energy system is going to be a costly affair. Though the energy you get will be for many years, even decades, it still could mean that you still have to pay for electric, especially if you don’t have the sunshine.

The problem with investing in residential solar energy systems and a wind generator is that you likely have to invest twice the amount of money. This can mean a longer time to make a return on investment.

It is always advisable to seek advice from the company you plan to buy the energy system from, as they can give you an indication of whether you need a residential solar energy system, wind power generator or both.

The benefit with both is that with the excess energy you can, in most cases, sell it back to the electric company. It can be a great feeling, having the electric company send you a paycheck a few times in the year.



Larisa

r34gtrowner asked:


I want to make solar power at home but dont want to spend a fortune. I just want enough solar power to power a few household items.

I have a patio at the back of my house with a tv, juke box and a few other things. I just want to be able to power this stuff. Can I make a solar power generater at home to power this?

Lahoma

Calvin Leonard asked:


Climate Change and Global Warming are indeed a huge debate topic in all its controversy and media hysteria. The majority of people are up in arms over the thought of global warming and indeed they want the United States to sign the Kyoto Treaty and agree to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases.

We cannot say for sure how much the globe may be warming up though, how much is due to human activities versus natural activities, or whether these movements in global temperature would be mostly good or mostly bad for the majority of us.

Recently in an online think tank one person was berrated for placing a post in the Global Warming area of the website on a Chinese Flooding event which washed away 90 people and in another province killed 117 folks.

Though Global Warming doesn’t seem that bad, with many people’s idea of it being that of a world wrapped snuggly in a warm blanket, it’s something that needs to be taken seriously and it’s something that could greatly hinder, and destroythe future.

In a nutshell, Global Warming is the gradual increase of the temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere. Basically global warming is the ascent of the earth’s surface temperature due to chemicals in the atmosphere. Some Global Warming Alarmists believe it is too late to stop the effects of mankind on our atmosphere and that these undesired effects will cause the triggering of major storms, freak weather and catastrophic situations. In order to control and avoid the effects of global warming we must first agree with a fact that it is happening, and take some steps to end or even reduce it. Maybe the whole world needs to rethink the level playing field rules over again and then we can sit down and talk about Global Warming, CO2 emissions and the Kyoto Treaty or a more realistic version of it.

Luckily most of the Global Warming theories are not based on very solid scientific evidence, but our Planet is going through a climate change cycle and this cycle, which is being caused by a series of inter-related cycles are warming areas our Planet among other things. There is no compelling scientific evidence that global warming is caused by anything other than ordinary, natural climatic cycles.Some Global Warming alarmists are now thinking it is time to invest their money in House Boat Stocks and pick out a big ship to live on?

So the debate of climate change battles on and whilst I see no end in site to it the doomsdayers will have you agree the sky is falling ,remember chicken little.So get yourself some scientific knowledge on the subject because if you dont you’ll end up becoming one of them.



France

Howard G Charing asked:


Ayahuasca, is regarded as the ‘gateway’ to the Soul. The fifth and concluding part of this article explores this fascinating plant brew from the Amazon Rainforest. Ayahuasca is the jungle medicine of the upper Amazon. It is made from the ayahuasca vine ( Banisteriopsis Caapi) and the leaf of the Chacruna plant (Psychotria Viridis). The two make a potent medicine, which takes one into the visionary world. The vine is an inhibitor, which contains harmala and harmaline among other alkaloids, and the leaf contains vision-inducing alkaloids. As with all natural medicines, it is a mixture of many alkaloids that makes their unique properties.

In this context, the teacher plants can provide a doorway to great and meaningful insights in the adventure of personal growth and healing. The growth and healing has therefore to be also in the physical world, thereby offering the opportunity to reveal our emotions, traumatic and turbulent experiences hidden or otherwise and so these can be released and ourselves restored. This access to our soul companion (our greater selves) , this flowing omni-present force guiding our life which presents with what are often called euphemistically “growth opportunities” for us to overcome. The plant teachers can show us these, where we can transcend linear time itself, and we journey within this eternal now at the very place in time where we experienced such a difficult event or suffered a troubled pervasive period in our life. We can re-experience this albeit from a different perspective, learn what happened, the reasons why it occurred and the subsequent impact and consequences on our life, and then to release any pain and trauma locked within our being. This release within the Ayahuasca experience is called ‘la purga’ our purge, when we literally purge this pain from our being, it is not only the contents of our stomach which are being released but also the deeply stored bile and sourness in our bodies generated from these difficult events. The plants offer us the potential for deep soul healing so we can become stronger and more able to engage fully in the precious gift of life.

Developing a personal relationship with Ayahuasca is within a background of an ancient body of practices. The oldest know object related to the use of ayahuasca is a ceremonial cup, hewn out of stone, with engraved ornamentation, which was found in the Pastaza culture of the Ecuadorian Amazon from 500 B.C. to 50 A.D. It is deposited in the collection of the Ethnological Museum of the Central University (Quito, Ecuador). This indicates that ayahuasca potions were known and used at least 2,500 years ago.

For example, there is a dietary regimen, and prohibitions regarding libidinous thoughts and activity. These considerations need to be respected and can not be ignored if one embarks on a path of communion with the plant. On observation and study (also called trial and error), this regime helps us to become more ‘plant like’, therefore increasing our receptivity to the plant-spirit-mind.

Many of my visionary experiences with Ayahuasca have led to a deeper understanding of my life and the role that various people had played in it. Sometimes I became those people, lived their lives, and came to understand why they did what they did, what decisions they had to make in their lives. These revelatory experiences invariably led to some form of closure with that person, like completing an open chapter, or a profound healing of my relationship with that person.

Medicines like ayahuasca can help us along our path but we still have to do the work ourselves. My experience is that these kind of allies can help us open the doors of perception, but what we do when we get there is entirely our own challenge.



Brittny

Kathryn Lively asked:


Deep in the Amazon Rainforest grow many plants and herbs that have been used for centuries to treat different ailments. Two such herbs are Cat’s Claw and Dotted Smartweed.

CAT’S CLAW

More and more, people are turning to alternative remedies for various ailments. The exotic nature of Amazon Rainforest plants, herbs, and roots especially draws attention to the health conscious. One such byproduct with health properties is cat’s claw.

What is Cat’s Claw?

Deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest grows a leafy vine dotted with small thorns that resemble feline claws. The Brazilian Uhna de Gato attaches itself to the taller trees in the forest, and can grow in lengths of up to 100 feet!

What’s so great about Cat’s Claw?

Amazon natives have been known to call the vine the “sacred herb” of the Rainforest for its highly prized medicinal values. Cat’s Claw is found to contain alkaloids and tannins beneficial to the immune system, and for hundreds of years this vine has been cultivated and harvested to treat a variety of illnesses:

* Taken internally, Cat’s Claw extracts are known to treat blood pressure and increasing circulation

* The vine is rich in rhynchophylline (an alkaloid), a known combatant against hypertension and high cholesterol

* Antioxidant properties are known to boost immunity and relieve aches and pains brought on by menstrual cycles and arthritis

* Taken topically as a balm, the vine’s medicinal properties are known to relieve skin irritations and promote faster healing of cuts and bruises

Are there side effects to taking Cat’s Claw?

Recent research indicates no common side effects have been attached to Cat’s Claw, whether ingested or taken externally. We do advise anybody who experiences adverse results with Cat’s Claw in any form to consult with a doctor immediately.

Cat’s Claw sounds great. Where can I get it?

Enter cat’s claw into Internet search and you are bound to find many online shops selling the herb in various forms - capules, tea, and balm. This wonder supplement is in very high demand, but when you shop for Cat’s Claw make sure you are getting the purest extracts of the vine available, directly from the Amazon Rainforest. As always, consult with a physician or health expert before trying anything new for good health.

DOTTED SMARTWEED

As Americans become more fascinated by alternative remedies for ailments, the interest in exotic herbs, plants, and roots increases. Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, natives have used natural resources for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. One such plant with healthful qualities is dotted smartweed.

What is Dotted Smartweed?

Also known as Polygonum acre, the dotted smartweed plant is indigenous to North and South America and defined by its long, reedy branches “dotted” with tiny, white flowers. This type of shrubbery is quite small, growing only as high as three feet.

What’s so great about Dotted Smartweed?

Dotted Smartweed has been used in folk medicine for centuries, not only by Native Americans in our country but the indigenous people of the Brazilian rainforest. Extract of dotted smartweed - the root, flower, and leaf - is known to benefit the digestive system and kill bad organisms that would otherwise make you sick. Use of dotted smartweed promotes good renal health, cleansing the body.

Are there side effects to taking Dotted Smartweed?

Recent research indicates no drastic sides effects attributed to dotted smartweed. However, with any herbal supplement it is best to consult with a physician before taking.

I believe I can take Dotted Smartweed for my digestive problems. Where can I get it?

Enter Dotted Smartweed into Internet search and you are bound to find several online shops selling the extract in powder and capsule form. This wonder supplement is in very high demand in European and African markets, and has been available in milder quantities in the US for more than a century. More recently, however, alternative health shops are offering this extract in it own form.

When you shop for supplements containing dotted smartweed, make sure your are getting the purest extracts of the dotted smartweed available, directly from the Amazon Rainforest. As always, consult with a physician or health professional before taking any type of dietary supplement. Be well, and be informed.



Jeanetta