When we think about getting hear from the ground we probably imagine geothermal energy; large magma chambers miles underground powering geysers and hot springs, or being tapped to generate electricity through steam turbines. But living next to a volcano can be a risky proposition and might be seen as an … Read more
At first glance, a wind turbine on your roof or in your garden seems like a great idea. Wind is free; you can lower your carbon footprint; and you can reduce you electricity costs. Domestic wind turbines come in two flavours. Mast mounted sit on a mast or tower and … Read more
We all like to escape from the city once in a while; head out to the hills or forest and get some peace and quiet. Then some guy turns up in an RV, hauls out his fridge and TV and starts up a portable diesel generator. So much for peace … Read more
Fireplaces have been used to heat homes and dwellings for thousands of years. As our understanding of technology expands, so do the ways which we use existing resources to help keep our environment clean and sustainable. More recently, the wood burning fireplace has expanding into using clean burning ethanol fuel. … Read more
Clay, or “earthen” ovens are simple in design. Using wood to fire them and the insulating properties of bricks and clay to absorb and then radiate heat, you can cook anything in an earthen oven that you could cook in a conventional oven. One easy and common thing to cook … Read more
‘Do as I say, not do as I do.’ Political instability in the Middle East, increasingly hard to extract fossil fuels, and fears around global warming mean governments are telling us to save energy, and the planet. But in the next 20 years energy consumption will increase by 60 percent … Read more
There’s a saying amongst nuclear physicists – ‘it’ll be 50 years before we crack nuclear fusion; and we’ve been saying it for the past 50 years’. This sums up the progress that has been made over the past decades in the search for energy’s Holy Grail. But finally progress is … Read more
Energy saving light bulbs have been growing in popularity as prices have come down, and energy prices increased. Traditional incandescent bulbs are being phased out in some countries so you won’t have any other option than to use them. How do they work, and what are their benefits? With a … Read more
Biodiesel is a fuel similar to ordinary diesel, but instead of being made from fossil fuel – oil – it’s produced from either vegetable oils or animal fat. The main source of biodiesel is presently waste cooking oil, which is collected from restaurants and fast food outlets. Pure oil is … Read more
We have a strange relationship with petroleum. On one hand we love it. We rely on it to get us from A to B in a car or aeroplane; it heats and lights our homes; and provides much of the energy that makes our everyday life comfortable. There’s no doubt … Read more
Renewable resources are natural resources using natural processes that can replenish themselves over a period of time. All renewable resources are a part of the natural environment and make up the eco-systems on the planet. They are threatened by industrial progress but also must be monitored so as not to … Read more