Solar power installation has benefited homeowners by cutting their power bills and saving money. But do the savings that you get from using solar power outweigh the initial cost of installing a system?

Solar power installation fees also depend on whether you opt to use a ready-made solar panel or use a DIY one. Pre-made solar panels could cost you about $12 per watt which could add up up to $900 per panel. With this kind up front expense, the cost of powering a small or energy efficient home could reach to $25, 000 for a medium sized system. While large houses that uses solar power would require a budget of up to $50,000 for the installation of solar panels.  With government subsidies, however,  installation of small-scale sustainable electricity alternatives like the solar, hydro and wind electricity systems become much more affordable. A list of current schemes supporting the installation of solar power for homes and business is available from the website for The Office of Renewable Energy Regulator.

Alternatively you may consider making your very own solar panel! Many people think that a DIY solar panel is difficult to construct but actually it isn’t. Building one on your own would only need a few common tools and a bit of effort. Knowledge and step-by-step guides on how to build a solar panel can be found almost everywhere and there are a number of video tutorials available online as well as books and other resource materials s that will make your project easier.

Usually, people go for solar power thinking that it is more energy efficient than commercial electricity. While that may be correct, the reality is that moving to a renewable power source is only part of the solution: you still need to make your home as energy efficient as possible in order to reduce the amount of energy that you need. In this way not only is the initial cost of solar power installation reduced, but, if your home is energy efficient, it will require less electricity and therefore a smaller solar power system. Generally speaking, saving electricity is cheaper than generating it so invest in making your home energy efficient and install solar power system for you to maximise the benefits of saving energy.

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It was during the 2^nd World War when religious organizations across Europe began to advocate Fair Trade as a form of charity. As time went by the movement radically transformed its approach, principles and perspectives. Today the proponents, products and distribution markets for fair trade have been widely revolutionised and diversified.

Alternative Trading Organizations (ATOs) emerged after World War II took its toll in the world. The ATOs are composed of morally-driven businesses that patronise the rules and principles set by Fair Trade. Through them, farmers can directly transact their products for a just price and in this manner local and small scale farmers are given opportunities to improve their lives.

Apart from the ATOs, the first organisations that developed fair trade supply chains in developing countries were the Mennoite Central Committee (1946) and the SERRV International (1949). The fair trade products sold by volunteers in “charity stores” were mostly handicrafts like jut goods and cross-stitches. The goods were merely considered as a donation and nothing more. But during the late 1980s, novelty products certified as fair trade slowly declined in popularity and so the ATOs began  to reconstruct their business strategies. It was then that fair trade supporters noticed the impact of the plummeting agricultural prices to the poor farmers and growers.

The movement saw its responsibility in addressing and remedying this crisis which in turn would contribute to the growth of the ATO and farmers. After the unsuccessful International coffee agreement, the growth of the fair trade coffee industry significantly increased. Coffee and tea became one of the first fair trade agricultural products in the market and the fuel to development of fair trade. Other products like cocoa, sugar, fruit juices, spices, nuts, rice and fruits eventually followed to become certified fair trade products.

At present, many governments have seen how the movement can make a huge difference and so they have added their support to the fair trade industry. Annually a World Fair Trade day is celebrated every second week in May to increase awareness and educate the public of the options and benefits that fair trade offers. Although this movement may have not been successful to some people, it has nonetheless contributed significantly to the welfare of primary producers in developing nations across the world. It has truly made a positive impact in the lives of the impoverished farmers making them more competitive and dignified in the market in which they participate.

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As technology rapidly advances, the gadgets we once recognized become obsolete in just a short period of time. And as the technological demands of people changes and increases, previous models of phones, ipods, cameras, computers and other electronics are thrown away into the garbage bin even if they are still in a good working condition. Doing that is a big waste of money and a hazard to the environment’s well-being. As a responsible and mature citizen, there are countless ways to make these gadgets and electronics efficient and functional. Here are some environment-friendly tips on how to recycle or sell your old electronics:

• Turn your “trash” to cash. There are several companies that would buy your out dated gadgets. Gather all your phones, ipods, cameras, computer or other electronics that you would want to sell. Then search the internet for the companies on whose criteria your merchandise would fit. Set your price per gadget by searching it in the internet or electronic shops and comparing its current value. We think the best service for recycling phones is Mobile Muster: www.mobilemuster.com.au

• Repair and refurbish your computers for a cause. You can donate surplus computers and other information and communication technologies to schools, city libraries, and other charities that will need it most. Not only are you able to help save the environment, you can also take part in providing these individuals and institutions a better future.

• Reuse your gadgets especially if they are still in good condition. Although they may be quite behind the new models, there may be several applications, hardware and programs that you can install to your gadgets to keep it as modern as its fresh counterparts.
You can make a big difference when you get involved and take your part in e-cycling. Advocate for it now and become conscious of the welfare of the environment and others. Support Australia’s government campaign for the control and elimination of toxic electronic waste.

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Protecting the environment and saving money at the same time through recycling non-biodegradable materials is a fun and easy task to do. You can get the your friends and family involved in this project and become advocates for living green. Exercise your creativity and resourcefulness by turning garbage into something functional!

Here are some simple recycling tips that you can do to start reducing your “carbon footprint”:

1. Look for areas where you commonly find recyclable items. The kitchen and garage are the usual places where you can find them. Pick a certain area where you can use it as your recycling center.

2. Sort out and classify the recyclable materials. Get your storage bins and baskets out and label them according to the items that it will contain like newspapers, plastic, aluminum, bottles, etc. Avoid using glass jars or empty carton boxes since they can easily get broken.

3. Do not throw away plastic bags used from the stores. You can reuse it for your next trip to the shops to reduce the use of plastic bags. Ultimately, the use of plastic bags can be eliminated by using wooden baskets, paper bags, cloth bags (available from both Coles and Woolworths if you shop there) or biodegradable plastic bags.

4. Determine which type of plastic can be recycled. Look at the bottom of plastic containers and see if you find numbers that identify the kind of plastic they are:

• Number 1 contains polyethylene terephthalate which can be recycled into fiberfill for bean bags, winter coats, tennis ball felt and other plastic bottles.
• Number 2 indicates high density polyethylene which is usually the type of plastic used in shampoo bottles, bleach and milk jugs. These number 2 plastics can be recycled to make piping and toys.
• Number 3 means Poly vinyl chloride and can be usually found in plastics used for baby bottle nipples, meat wraps, linoleum, cooking oil containers, vinyl siding in the house and vinyl dashboards and seat covers. They are difficult to recycle and are hazardous to the environment.
• Sandwich and grocery bags have a low density polyethylene type which is classified as number 4 and they are not usually recyclable.
• Number 5 stands for polypropylene and it has a low recyclability rate, examples of plastics with number 5 are diapers, syrup bottles, Tupperware, and some baby bottles, plastic cups and plates.
• Styrofoam is under number 6 and other types are classified under number 7. The latter is usually compose of polycarbonate like 10 litre water bottles and are the most difficult to recycle.

5. Junk mail and bond papers can be recycled by using it as a scratch paper or note pad.

6. Recycle and reuse electronics. Some manufacturers of mobile phones, televisions, computers and electronic retailers sponsor recycling events and provide a take back program.

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Interestingly, there is an association in Australia called the Australian Electric Vehicle Association.

The association says on its website that most of its members have or are interested in buying or converting petrol powered cars to high efficiency, zero emission electric cars.

For $130,000 you can go on a long waiting list, for a 200kmph imported car, that can accelerate from 0-100km in less than 5 seconds and travel more than 300km for less $10 . 00 of electricity.

Or, at the lower end of the scale, for approximately $15,000 you can convert a petrol powered car to an electric car that can accelerate from 0-100kmph in less than 10 seconds and travel more than 50km daily for less than $2 of electricity.

Electric cars have been around since 1837 but it hasn’t been taken too seriously until recently.

In LA, where smog is a problem, it has forced the world’s major car makers to switch to an electric option.

Electric cars produce no exhaust gases and can greatly help the noise levels of our cities. More importantly for the green fans, they use 50 to 60 per cent less energy than conventional cars.

Vehicle importer Ateco Automotive told brisbanetimes.com.au that it plans to have an electric car on sale in Australia by 2011.

The Chinese electric car looks set to go on sale in Australia by next year, likely to join Mitsubishi and Nissan in the race for emissions free motoring.

The Australian importer of Chinese brands Great Wall Motors and Chery, Ateco, says it expects to be selling an electric car here by 2011.

“I think we’ll have an electric car in 011 – I can’t comment any further,” says Ateco governing director Neville Crichton to the Brisbane Times.
“I’ll be surprised if the Chinese makers don’t come out with an electric car in a very short period of time.”

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This year is the 20th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day and the charity organisation is hoping to make it the biggest ever – with your help!

Sunday March 7 is Clean Up Australia Day but there are separate days for businesses and schools.

Business Clean Up Day is on Tuesday March 2 and School Clean Up Day is on Friday March 5.

Below is some information on how to get involved in this unique day.

You can help by simply picking up one or two wrappers – or by picking up countless amounts of rubbish.

Many people every year get involved to help keep our country clean.

There are also business and individual and team initiatives. Here is how to join from cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

Organising a Clean Up Site

1. Create a site
Select a site in your local area that you think needs a Clean Up. Local councils may be able to assist you to identify a potential site. Register on cleanupaustralia.com.au

Unfortunately our website doesn’t hold information on registrations from previous years, so even if you have taken past before, you will need to enter all your details to ensure your site is fully registered.

2. Receive your Clean Up Kit
Once you have registered we will send you a Clean Up Kit containing everything you need for your event. 

3. Promote your Clean Up site to attract volunteers
Read the site guide in your Clean Up kit for ideas on how to promote your site and download additional materials.

4. Preparation for your Clean Up event
Read the site guide in your Clean Up kit for information on how to prepare for your event and make sure conduct a site inspection beforehand, ensuring you have implemented any risk controls.

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There is also an option to pay to offset your greenhouse gas emissions if needed and this is all about the greenly way of life.

It means it is your chance to help the planet particularly if you’re a frequent flyer.

The less baggage you take on the plane means that you are helping the plane fly easier which eases the greenhouse gas emissions from the plane.

It makes life easier for the plane, the earth and yourself; although you may have to reduce your baggage.

There is a surcharge payment for those who wish to purchase baggage which helps people reduce the amount of baggage they carry on the plane.

The surcharge is generally an extra $20 on top of the flight charge.

This never used to happen and many people would carry as many kilos as they want on the plane.

Now aircrafts around the world have taken on these rules to help save the planet.

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Municipal officials want to boost the number of cyclists by 25 per cent during the next five-year plan, the state media reported.

The modern passion for cars has meant that pollution has risen to an almighty high on the streets.

The Age reported that last year China overtook the US as the world’s biggest car market: about a million new vehicles a month pour on to the roads.

Since the 2008 Olympics, there have been revamped rules only to drive on certain days. But this has still failed to ease the congestion that has been an ongoing problem for years.

The Xinhua news agency said the Government hoped to improve the infrastructure for cyclists, including restored bicycle lanes and new rental programs providing 50,000 bikes for hire by 2015.

However, locals were sceptic about bicycles being the answer.

”Fewer and fewer of my friends ride bicycles, but the interesting thing is they don’t drive cars either,” Jiamin Zhao told The Age, an internet entrepreneur who still cycles his child to school each morning

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The Western Central Pacific is the last remaining healthy fishery in the world and the source of over half the world’s tuna. Yellowfin and bigeye tuna have been in constant decline since 2001 – both are now in an overfished state.

This is taking place in Tahiti.

On the negotiatiing table according to Greenpeace are issues such as closing the high seas pockets to all. In 2008, two of our the four nets were closed for net fishing. Now Pacific Islands which includes Australia, are calling for the other two to be closed.

Another one is to halve the fishing of the threatened big eye tuna and to ban deadly fishing magnets.

Greenpeace want fish aggregation devices to be fully banned after discovering that it wasn’t fully banned despite the rule coming in in 2008.

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So why aren’t more Australians getting into a product that is also attractive for the environment.

When there isn’t any sun, the electricity is run by a gas tank just like any normal household that heats up and produces energy.

However, it is when the sun is out that will save you money as you’re using natural energy.

It’s the best and cleanest choice as far as the environment goes.

And there is a state and national rebate if you change over your existing electrical method to install solar panels on your roof.

It’s not just Australia that is promoting these solar panels.

All over the world are doing it including the US.

The  US $68 million Commonwealth Solar fund – originally expected to last three or four years – ran out in October after 22 months, forcing the state to fast-track the next step for the program. That will include a state-funded rebate for small and mid-size solar installations, as well as a so-called solar credit program to help pay for solar projects of all sizes.

So contact your local provider and get in in time for the rebate which ends in Australia in around March.

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