With the high cost of oil, drilling in Alaska is constantly a topic for discussion. Democrats don’t want drilling to occur there because of the fragile environment and possible contamination. Republicans do want to drill there because they promise it will cause prices to go down. A short term gain for a long term problem. This is unprejudiced one example of environmental protection where Republicans claim that by saving or protecting the environment, that jobs will be lost.
I guess they never heard that necessity is the mother of invention. This energy crisis is spawning so many start-up businesses, laboratories, think tanks, energy companies, and other businesses that in the long run we’ll have more jobs than ever. They might not pay quite as much as those fat oil barons compose, but they are still good paying jobs none-the-less. The search for alternative energy sources is creating new businesses around the world. There are hundreds of new businesses fair producing photovoltaic arrays to harness solar energy. This industry alone has businesses that experiment in recent materials in which to fabricate solar cells, businesses that mine the raw elements such as silicon needed for solar cells, businesses that manufacture the equipment, businesses that install the equipment, and other businesses that service the equipment. There are also specialists that design solar equipment to be aesthetically pleasing, architecturally consistent with its surroundings, and arranged to capture the most solar rays. Solar energy is becoming more efficient and cheaper and is destined to become a major energy source for homes and businesses. Though solar energy has not yet been proven viable for powering vehicles this is certainly another area with endless opportunities for researchers and manufacturers.
There are hundreds more businesses that specialize in manufacturing and selling tools and equipment faded for environmental protection. For example, laws regulate how remarkable particulate matter is allowed to be emitted from a smoke stack. In order to meet regulations, such busineses usually install scrubbers, filters, and other equipment. Dozens of businesses specialize in this type of equipment. Some businesses generate liquid and solid wastes as a byproduct of a manufacturing process. There are dozens more businesses that specialize in environmentally correct containers that allow safe disposal of such wastes without polluting the local environment and without allowing such wastes to seep into the groundwater from a landfill. Workers have to be protected from being exposed to harmful chemicals while working. There are many businesses that specialize in personal protective equipment such as particle masks, respirators, fireproof clothing, steel-toed shoes, metal gloves, contamination suits, and other clothing designed to protect people from exposure. Whole new lines of energy efficient appliances are being sold now and design, manufacture, sale, and repair of these items has created even more jobs (though we all know some of the manufacturing jobs are not in this country, unfortunately).
Then there is the business of recycling. Many will argue that this costs more money than it saves because you either have to transport your recyclables some place, costing you gas, or pay a service to hold them up from your house. This may be fair, but really this is a miniature expense. (It happens to be free in our community.) And its only the tip of the iceburg. Standard recycling centers that handle paper, glass, aluminum, and scrap metal are providing jobs for people so those recyclers are providing a valuable service. Second the space saved in landfills saves city and county taxpayers money from not paying additional taxes for digging modern disposal grounds. Third, recycling raw materials saves money in the production of those materials, especially aluminum. Estimates say that about 70% of aluminum in this country is recycled. Manufacturing aluminum from raw ore takes huge amounts of electricity. Remelting old cans only takes a small amount. This saves businesses that use aluminum for their products sizable amounts of money, which keeps the imprint of those products to consumers lower. Recycling carboard and other paper has the same effect. Paper products are remanufactured for new paper products, saving the cost of cutting down trees and maintaining more tree farms. And their are many recycling related spin-off businesses. New businesses specialize in recycling a particular type of material into new products. In particular there are businesses that recycle things such as used motor oil, metal from circuit boards, mercury from batteries, and other materials and make them into novel products that consumers can employ. Landfill status is saved, hazardous toxins are not released into the environment, jobs are created, and consumers have more buying choices. Other businesses exist whose sole purpose is to shred documents, both for protection from identity theft but also to save landfill space.
Another side benefit that people forget about is ecotourism. Oil companies keep looking at certain areas in Utah for drilling for crude or to extract shale oil (fuel squeezed from compression of rock formations). The problem is that many of the desirable sites are in the middle of Utah’s beautiful red rock country. Drilling in these areas would result in ecological destruction of a precious resource that can never been recovered. This landscape is so unique that it needs to be preserved not only for the flora and fauna but for future generations of visitors. Preserving these areas for visitors creates a huge tourism industry that can easily replace any jobs that would have been gained by erecting some oil rigs. Again, some of these jobs are not as well paying as what the oil industry might pay. But there are unruffled dozens of spin-off businesses that can be fed by a well organized tourism campaign. Outfitters can guide tourists in the back country. Other tour guides can rob people rafting in such areas as the Green River. Hotels, motels, gas stations, restaurants, gift shops, Native American crafts, grocery stores, and other local attractions all serve from tourists. And depending on who is managing the protected land, such as the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Serivce, U.S. National Park Service, or a local or state entity, other jobs are created by these organizations to acquire roads and signs, enforce laws, contain offices, interface with the public, generate informational materials, develop nature tours and talks, etc. Since these are government jobs they will pay well.
And let us not forget the hundreds of consultant firms that have sprung up that lend their expertise in studying environmental impacts. Industrial Hygienists tell us how to protect ourselves in the work area. Environmental Protection specialists show us how to avoid releasing toxins into the air, water, and ground. Hazmat and Radcon specialists show us how to protect ourselves and the environment from hazardous chemical spills and what to do if we were exposed. Other professionals specialize in the health arena, studying long term effects of people who may been exposed to substances such as asbestos and beryllium. Engineering consultants help design equipment and buildings so your manufacturing process doesn’t hurt the environment from the very moment you turn on the switch. Other businesses specialize in assisting a business or a whole city in developing waste management plans to dispose of their waste safely. There are other businesses that specialize in cleaning up a waste quandary that has already occurred. For example, past mining practices have polluted groundwater and destroyed habitat; companies specialize in cleaning up these areas and restoring the landscape as conclude to its natural state as possible.
I could go on and on with examples where environmental consciousness has spawned current opportunities. It’s time to move forward with renewable energy, worker protection, safe disposal, groundwater protection, habitat protection, resource conservation, and environmental reclamation. The future is ours.
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Filed under Whole House Replacement Water Filters by on Nov 3rd, 2010. 
It is hard to call our own shots, especially when they don’t necessarily agree with the opinions of others. It is hard to march to a different drummer. The essence of doing this lies in taking responsibility for and managing our own feelings.
It is easy to establish off our feelings and our thoughts as having been caused by someone else. It is easy to be a victim of circumstance, but when we allow this to happen, it limits options. It is far better to plan circumstances as they are, derive them, and then deem what can be done about them. It is far better to simply address each hiss as it arises and always seek to take the next right step.
No matter how much we would like for our circumstances to be the fault or responsibility of someone else, it just isn’t proper. Every action is a choice, and if our choices and actions lead us to difficult places, it helps to remember that they have also led us to more choices and options. The road less traveled may seem an empty one, but it calm leads to somewhere. Our destination and what we do with it are entirely within our control.
This is not to say that we can always rise from humble beginnings to a mansion or some such. This kind of “success” is not open to everyone. But we can have success within our means. We can score joy in the pleasures that are available. We can collect satisfaction in the things we have. We can be choose happiness over sorrow. We can choose peace over stress.
Anything we do, anything we are trying to deal with is more difficult with stress riding on our backs. And it doesn’t have to be that draw. The degree to which we experience stress is entirely under our own control. The fact is, we can meet our challenges head on and end up with a headache, or we can choose to step back, take some breaths, count to ten, and meet our challenges face to face. We can allow ourselves to do whatever it takes to be able to see all sides of an issue and make positive, proactive choices that truly take everything into account.
Sometimes it is impossible to catch a calm and centered approach to problems and because we simply do not take good enough care of ourselves. The draw to ensure that we are always able to meet our challenges face to face rather than head to head is to be sure that we are in optimum condition. If we make taking care of ourselves a top priority, everything else will plunge into place. In society today, it seems that people feel guilty for truly caring for themselves. The result is, exhausted, ill people dragging themselves around trying to deal with one stress after another and usually just compounding problem upon problem. There are simple ways to care for ourselves. If we form them a priority, and make ourselves #1, those around us will be happy we did in the long run.
We don’t have to meet our stresses with our eyeballs propped commence with toothpicks. People these days seem to think there is something sinister with sleeping enough. The rule has always been that human beings need at least 8 hours of sleep a night to truly function well and keep the immune system strong and healthy. Be clear to go to bed early enough to get at least 7 uninterrupted restful hours of sleep. If at all possible, take a diminutive nap during the afternoon. It is surprising how refreshing a ten or fifteen minute rest can be.
Eat well. Don’t fill up on junk food and processed food and quickly food. We must maintain our diet simple and wholesome with lean meats, whole grains, and recent fruits and vegetables. It is possible to eat lots of these things and stay healthy and slim by having one serving of protein and grain at each meal and filling our plates with fresh veggies and fruit. If we eat this way the majority of the time, we can happily allow ourselves treats on special occasions without a lot of stress over calorie counting, carbohydrates counting, or any other foolishness. Just eat good, wholesome food and plenty of it on a regular basis, and our bodies will be very forgiving of the times we enjoy special occasions. What’s more, as our bodies becomes more and more accustomed to eating healthy, wholesome food, these foods will become preferred. We will not have to force ourselves to eat well, and when we devour something that is outside of our usual daily fare, our bodies will be highly likely to self-limit by only wanting small portions of rich foods.
It is critical to stay hydrated. Remember that high school health book? It always told us to drink eight big glasses of water every day, and it was fair. Make sure that this is pure water that has been keep through a filtration system like Brita or Pur. These excellent systems will net rid of most of the chemicals and inferior metals in the water without breaking costing a fortune or filling the landfill with plastic bottles.
Water is absolutely principal for health. If we stay hydrated all of our body systems will work better. We will feel less hungry and assume more clearly. People who are prone to aches and pains will not feel them as often or at all by staying well hydrated. In fact, drinking enough water is an effective treatment for arthritis pain. Drinking plenty of pure water is a simple way we can boost our effectiveness and lower our stress throughout the day.
Be sure to engage in moderate exercise of some kind every single day. Take a brisk walk or bike ride, use a stationary bike, do a 15 minute stretching video. Whatever it is, just be sure to stretch and move for at least 15 to 20 minutes every day. This exercise regimen will not have us looking like body builders, but it will help boost the immune system and help us relax and feel more ready to face the challenges of every day life.
Steal some time every day to meditate, pray, or at least prefer a few minutes to think quietly. These few moments will assist with handling life more effectively. They can give us some time to put things into perspective and see solutions that may have been lurking in the background afraid to come out during the hustle and bustle of daily life. By taking just a few minutes a day to let our minds reorganize, we will be adding effectiveness and efficiency to our every day performance both at work and in our personal lives.
As we are sleeping, walking, thinking, and dealing with day to day challenges, it is important to remember to breathe. People tend to breathe shallowly, especially when under stress, but this is really the worst thing we could do. Our brains need oxygen to function properly and so does the rest of the body. We must be sure to breathe deeply into the bottom of our lungs, letting our stomachs relax. A breath in should last for a slow count of five. A breath out should last for a slow count of four. Be mindful of breathing. Nourish the body and mind with oxygen, and they will perform better.
Add beauty to life just like breath. Add a beautiful music CD to nap time. Keep a beautiful, tranquil Siamese Fighting Fish in a place that is easy to see. Take a daily walk during a lovely time of day to enjoy a certain quality of light, birds returning to the trees for the evening, or the early evening scents of dinner being prepared. Whatever activity is chosen, let’s try to do it the most pleasant way possible to enhance the enjoyment of the moment.
If there are issues in life that we simply cannot change or do anything about, we must let go of them. Sometimes this means little things, like accepting that the fact that the %$#@&* train is just going to blast the holy bejesus out of the house every single time it goes past no matter what hour of the day or night! Or it can mean big things like losing a relationship because the other person has simply changed their mind, or losing a friend or loved one to death. Whatever it is, we must shake our fists at it or mourn it appropriately, then let it go and move on. If we can’t change it, we mustn’t worry about it. If there is nothing to do, don’t do anything.
Above all, we must be kind to ourselves, whatever we do. We must treat ourselves well. We have to spend a lot of time with ourselves. We start out alone, and we end up alone. You are the most important person in your life. And I am the most important person in mine. By taking care of ourselves, we can be more fully present for each other.
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Filed under Whole House Replacement Water Filters by on Aug 28th, 2010.
The Essick Air 697-500 is a whole house humidifier. It is designed for use in homes up to 2,500 square feet. You can regain this model for an average price of $200. Support reading to learn about some of the features that it offers.
Operation
The Essick Air 697-500 whole house humidifier offers multiple fan speeds. There is also a peaceful setting which comes in handy for nighttime operation. The machine also has an integrated humidistat. This allows you to set your desired humidity level and have the machine cycle on and off in order to maintain it.
Water
The Essick Air 697-500 can output up to 12 gallons of moisture per day. The machine is fitted with two 2.75-gallon water bottles. The bottles have a refill hose so that they’re easy to fill at the sink. The machine also offers an indicator light so you always know when it’s time to refill.
Wick
The Essick Air 697-500 whole house humidifier incorporates a high-output evaporative wick. It helps filter mineral deposits. You can easily remove the wick whenever it needs replacing.
Filtration
The unit also offers a two-stage filtration system. This system consists of an electrostatic and carbon filter. It traps dust, pollen, smoke, and other particles from the air.
Design
The Essick Air 697-500 whole house humidifier is fitted with caster wheels for easy transport from room-to-room. The exterior has a fake cherry wood finish to blend into your room decor.
The Essick Air 697-500 whole house humidifier is ideal for homes up to 2,500 square feet. The unit can output up to 12 gallons of moisture per day. The two 2.75-gallon water bottles refill easily at the sink thanks to the refill hose. Also, the two-stage filtration system, which uses an electrostatic and carbon filter, traps particles from the air.
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Filed under Whole House Replacement Water Filters by on Aug 20th, 2010.