Real Alternatives?

Over the last few weeks I have been investigating some alternative and complimentary solutions for energy independence.

*NB: This is by no means a complete A-Z listing of "everything you need to know", it is only specific to my requirements and interests!!

Vehicles and their reliance on oil.

It is obvious to most, that there are a huge number of cars, vans, lorries, buses and the like on our road networks, this number is still increasing!  While the motor manufacturing industry is 'attempting' to find ways to improve the efficiency of new vehicles produced, there still remains the problem of what to do with the old ones?

I was pointed in the direction of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology by a friend recently, who had read an article about fuel consumption.  I duly investigated.

What seems interesting surfing through internet videos and articles, is the general simplicity of small scale HHO production.  Having been scientifically conditioned in school that Hydrogen was a 'tad dangerous', my scepticism was obvious.   I will not techie this blog but suffice it to say that on a micro level this technology seems relatively easy to manufacture and the initial results appear extremely promising.  I suggest of course you draw your own conclusions!!

I am looking at various ways to 'retro-fit' the following vehicles with an HHO supply:  

• 1984 Yamaha SR250 SE Petrol Motorcycle
• 1994 Vauxhall Frontera Sport 2.0i Petrol 4x4
• 1982 Freight Rover Sherpa 2.3 Diesel Motorhome*

*The Freight Rover already runs on Biodiesel and has almost zero carbon emmisions via tailpipe.

Many 'DIY kits' are available over internet, some can be found on ebay and many more desgins, schematics and how-to guides are scattered across the world wide web.  It is these such 'home improvements' I am investigating and how they can be constructed and fitted locally using recyclable materials and in a manner that is safe and sustainable.

The Goods Life

Affluenza, n.

1. A painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more. 2. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth.

An overwhelming feeling that we have become:

• Too materialistic;
  
• Too greedy;
  
• Too selfish;
• Too self-absorbed;
  

And that we need to bring back into balance the enduring values that have supported this society for generations, particularly during 'hard' and 'troubled' times.

We have been producing and consuming beyond the limits of natural repair and replenishment. We have created a disease of consumerism that has spread around the world - we must begin to alter our patterns of consumption before the infection becomes an epidemic.

"Waste not Want not" said Benjamin Franklin.

Simplicity, the Greeks believed was a mid-point between luxury and deprivation; The Middle Way.

Consume, v.

1. to destroy or expend by use; use up.  2. to eat or drink up; devour.  3. to destroy, as by decomposition or burning: Fire consumed the forest.  4. to spend (money, time, etc.) wastefully.  5. to absorb; engross: consumed with curiosity. 6. to undergo destruction; waste away.  7. to use or use up consumer goods.

"Don't Get the Bug, Power Down for Energy Decent"

Growing Resolutions...

More than a few of us probably received a gift basket or two this year.

After eating the plastic-wrapped foods and confectionery or restocking the bathroom with soaps, shampoos and bath bombs, we do our best to recycle the packaging until all that remains is the basket that the gifts once lived in, so what do we do with it?

In these modern times, we don’t really have much need for a basket, do we?

Maybe you’ve already converted one old basket into a sewing kit, another holds clothes pegs or collects unused screws, nails and spider webs in the shed or garage.

Here’s an interesting idea for using your newest basket!

What You’ll Need:

• A Basket
• Soil
• A Plastic Carrier Bag
• Seeds
• A Knife

Step 1
Take the basket and put the old carrier bag on the bottom, poking a few small holes in the plastic.

Step 2
Fill the basket with soil. Use some of that compost you've been saving all year!

Step 3
Plant seeds.

It’s that easy!

Make sure to water daily and you’ll be enjoying natural homegrown and healthy herbs with your meals in no time and with no cost to you or the environment.

[Adapted from a post by - Josh Peterson, Los Angeles, CA, January 2009]

Hippy 2009

From its humble beginnings in the peace and love generation of Woodstock and flower-power, to the controlled anarchy of the non-violent direct action that has become commonplace throughout much of the last two decades, the ideology has remained constant. Protect this planet and love everyone equally.

Many see this as 'odd', a bunch of crusty smelly folk with long hair and no jobs whinging about the state of the world, when in fact they should have a bath, cut their hair, get a life and join the system.

Personally, I have no wish or desire to see this planet go up in smoke! from the continued raping and decimation of our earth's natural resources, nor do I wish to be spoonfed consumerism by a corporate nanny state, intent on serving only the best interests of global capitalism and personal greed, at any cost.

However, I must stress that having experienced both sides of this coin, from the muddy protest sites to the shiny boardrooms I feel I am able to better share the wealth and knowledge of each extreme. I want only to use my skills to help build a better future for us all.

Over the next year, theARCproject will launch new and innovative approaches to reduce our impact and power down our reliance on non-renewable resources. With our Resolution No.1 being "to meet the needs of the present without compromising the abilities of future generations to meet their own needs."

As a certain advertisement once said, "the future is bright", however in the case of this Not-For-Profit Social Enterprise and Community Interest Company, the future is Green.

Transition Town Llandeilo Initiative

Habitable, (adj.)
Considered fit to be lived in, or on.
- infrastructure for energy descent
Ø Water;
Ø Waste;
Ø Resources;
An open forum for the public discussion, formulation and creation of solutions, related to the issues of Peak Oil, Climate Change and Sustainable Communities.
Using the benefits of ICT as a medium to generate debate, opinion and action, the group will have an online presence via social networking spaces and the Transition website.
Work Cafes are encouraged as a proactive and participatory means of problem solving and create valuable networking opportunities. While formal meetings are difficult to arrange and can be seen as barriers to inclusion, an open and relaxed approach to knowledge transfer is believed to offer the most effective way of achieving our goals.
Members are able to influence their own level of involvement and cooperation in developing sustainable infrastructure systems:
Ø greywater and rainwater harvesting;
Ø waste reduction and minimisation;
Ø efficient and productive use of local resources
Practical applications and projects are encouraged as a model for rebuilding the social economy, with vision for education and training growth across the third sector. All Individuals, groups, businesses, organisations and local government are welcome and encouraged to assist in the creation of strong and vibrant communities in transition.

Habitable | Google Groups
transitiontownllandeilo.org.uk
Written by: adam.margetts@thearcproject.co.cc

Mega Vehicles

also, Multitruck Skip Tipper

theARCproject is looking for Sustainable Solutions for Community Waste Management.

This range of vehicles seems ideal for the job, local collection services, low emissions and cheap running costs.

All in all a great practical alternative, funding however will be the difficult thing.

There are some grants available for creating Power Stations for Communities; solar and wind charging points to power battery storage cells.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6211076.stm

FREE is always better than ££££

Just a quickie!
For anyone that wants a new copy of:-

Micro$oft, are busy making more and more new $oftware. 

In an attempt to curtail Messers Gate$ global domination, please find enclosed the following little ditty!!

Step 1.
Go to Micro$oft website and download your FREE Trial Version.

After installing your FREE Trial Version!! Upload this useful little document:
Office '07 - Home & Student Edition Document

Enter the 3 digit code and download the .doc file. 

[These codes are all legitimate and legal].

Once installed you can activate for FREE by calling the Microsoft Automated Activation line on an 0800 number.

Enjoy!!