Recent Articles
Hydroponic Gardening Basics
Hydroponic gardening is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, or coconut husk. In the 19th century, researchers discovered that plants absorb essential mineral [...]
What is a Solar Panel? How it Works?
If you truly wish your source of energy to be independent, there are only a few choices: solar in the form of solar electric panels, hot water panels, and passive heating; wind generators for electric production and windmills for water pumping; and hydro electric generators. A good rule of thumb is that once you eliminate [...]
Why Are Solar Energy Systems Ideal for California Residential and Commercial Properties?
Solar electric systems are believed to be the best eco-friendly electric systems for residential and commercial properties in many parts of California. The solar electric systems can be used to power homes or businesses. By virtue of using this natural form of energy, the solar electric systems help reduce the dependency on non-renewable energy forms [...]
ICT Energy Efficiency: Commercial and Industrial
While global energy consumption is high and rising, conventional fuel sources are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Further, emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels have been linked to global climate change and, within a rising number of countries, are subject to regulation. Consequently, governments, businesses and consumers around the world are seeking products [...]
How to Make Compost – and What to Make It In!
So, firstly we’ll take a look at the ideal composition of the compost itself. Both "brown" and "green" elements need to be present in good compost. Green ingredients include natural materials like manure, weeds and fresh grass cuttings. These provide the nitrogen essential for good compost. Fresh manure is much stronger so you will need [...]
First U.S. Solar Plant to Utilize Salt Technology Approved in California
Santa Monica-based Solar Reserve has been granted approval to build the first solar-powered plant in California that will utilize molten salt technology to store excess thermal energy, generating electricity whenever it’s needed – day or night.
New Natural Refrigerant Technology Unveiled
Container refrigerant technology has depended on refrigerants that, though improved over the past 14 years, still have a negative impact on the ozone layer. Carrier Corp., a global leader in in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions – recently announced their newest innovation called NaturaLine, the world’s first natural refrigerant technology for container refrigeration.
3-dimensional Energy-Efficient Sand Microclimates to Cool Public Areas
Sand has many uses, particularly in industrial applications. It’s a key ingredient in the manufacturing of glass, in paint, and even in water filtration. Now London-based design firm PoslterFeruson has created a three-dimensional Mashrabiya. Based on the Arabic-style projecting latticework window that provides shade from the sun while allowing cool air from the street below [...]
Innovative Waterboxx Can Help Make Arid Lands Fertile Again
Deforestation and climate change are two main contributors to the steady expansion of desertification around the globe. The winner of the 2010 Popular Science Best of What’s New Innovation of the Year may well help to turn this potential global calamity around. The Goasis Waterboxx is an irrigation-free plant incubator. Most young plants wither and [...]
New Plastisoil Could Alleviate Stormwater / Groundwater Contamination
Groundwater contamination from stormwater runoff is an age-old and growing problem, particularly due to widespread pesticide use. Earlier this year, a researcher at Philadelphia’s Temple Unversity introduced a cement-like material that would lessen the problem of polluted stormwater runoff.
