January 2007
You are currently browsing the articles from EcoSherpa written in the month of January 2007.
Wow – the possibilities for biofuel production are seemingly never-ending!
A former abattoir in northern Scotland is pioneering a new source of biofuels – dead cows.
The Oran Group is turning the site at Kintore in Aberdeenshire into a biofuels installation which generates electricity from burning cow by-products supplied by local abattoirs, including blood and bonemeal.
General manager Ben Ballantyne told the BBC one major energy-saving aspect of the plant was the fact that the biomass fuel had previously been transported hundreds of miles away to be processed.
The Oran group hopes to have the plant up and running in three years with a rendering facility at the plant adding to the production of biomass.
It estimates that the eventual energy output will be enough to power 9,000 homes.
Scottish deputy first minister Nicol Stephen said: “This is an exciting project that will help Scotland reach its target of producing 18 per cent of our electricity by 2010 from renewable sources.”
SOURCE Finance News Online
Technorati Tags: biofuel, biodiesel, alternative energy, alternative fuels, green energy, green power, renewable energy, fuel
Written by Bentley on January 31st, 2007 with 2 comments.
Read more articles on Green Energy and Waste Management.
It all started with a message posted on the GreenBusiness Forum, followed by a search for a Hugg post, finally ending with the reading of a cool Green Options article. All in all, a typical day in the life of a green blogger!
Not that long ago I discovered Freecycle (see Reduce, Reuse, Freecycle?) and thought it was the coolest idea since…well…sliced bread? I dunno – anyway, I really liked the idea of being able to very easily give away and get ‘stuff’ – stuff that often tends to end up in the trash. As I discovered, there are many many freecyclers in my region alone, so lots and lots of people who will happily come get my junk whenever I want to get rid of it.
All that said, while I still have yet to participate myself, I’ve become quite annoyed with it. I was receiving a zillion messages every single day – even now with it switched over to ‘digest mode’ I still get emails fairly regularly (probably a few each day). You can of course turn off your email notifications, but the actual site doesn’t seem hugely user friendly to me.
So, what’s a greenie to do!?!?
Well according to the Green Options article, GigoIt provides a more user-friendly alternative.
How does Gigoit differ from Freecycle? Simply put, it’s easier. For one, users don’t have to go through a lengthy registration period just to access items up for grabs. Anyone can immediately see what’s available near a given zip code. By eliminating the “mailing list” model, all information is centralized, and it’s much easier to find what’s relevant to the user, his or her area, and what her or she is looking for. Once an item has been picked up, it’s taken off the board by the giver, without having to post a message for everyone else on the site to filter through. Users only receive messages related to their own transactions, and RSS feeds allow users to quickly access the latest items in their area. Users also manage their own profiles, which can be as elaborate or as simple as they want, and users aren’t limited to certain geographical areas–you can access items from all over the country on the same site.
Sounds good to me! There’s only one problem – GigoIt seems to be entirely US-based (us Canucks are outta luck). It is still in the Beta testing stage, so hopefully they have plans to expand north of the border!
Technorati Tags: gigoit, freecycle, ebay, free stuff, junk, garbage, recycling, goodwill, value village
Written by Bentley on January 31st, 2007 with 7 comments.
Read more articles on Interesting & Notable and Waste Management.
But it sure sounds like fun for the kiddies!
I just caught an interesting article (link to follow) about the LEED Gold certification of this Woodland Park Zoo (in Seattle) project.
So what exactly is the ‘ZooMazium’?
From the ZooMazium website:
Zoomazium is an indoor, all-weather facility that incorporates spectacular multimedia features with fun, interactive nature-themed areas devoted to play and learning for children birth to 8 years of age (though all ages are welcome!).
All the exhibits within Zoomazium have been designed for whole-bodied, imaginative play, as well as integration with existing zoo programs. The building is divided into several play areas, including active spaces for exploratory play, a stage for theatrical demonstrations, storytelling and video presentations, a Project Place and Nature Exchange for guided learning. What could be more fun than exploring a mountain cave, crossing a rope bridge in the tree canopy, discovering what lies beneath a savanna water hole or even climbing a 20-foot tree?! All this and more are awaiting discovery for young children interested in nature.
My own love and respect for nature was instilled at a very young age by my father, so needless to say I’m a huge fan of nature education programs for kids! I believe wholeheartedly that a major reason for people not being more environmentally conscious is the fact that many of us have lost that connection with the natural world – sure we may see it on TV or go look at in on the weekends in the summer, but I think it’s just become another form of entertainment or worse still an annoyance.
Anyway…back to the ZooMazium…I think it’s fantastic that the zoo is going the extra mile to make the facility ‘green’ as well. This is also another great way to show the children (and us big kids) the importance of respecting the earth.
Here are some of it’s cool green features:
Green roof – The vegetated roof system is planted not just with grass, but with approximately 21,000 plants native to the Puget Sound region to aid in the natural reduction of stormwater runoff. It simulates a temperate forest floor habitat complete with sword ferns, salal, lupine and more. City of Seattle and the zoo are collaborating to document the effect on reducing stormwater runoff.
· Energy conservation – Energy use is minimized and flexibility of use is maximized through careful selection of energy-efficient lighting and natural heating and cooling systems. Solar shading allows for natural daylight harvesting, both in the main exhibit space and lower administrative areas, provided by existing trees on the site. Overhangs, screens and adjacent foliage keep the building cool in summer months, and natural daylight harvesting offsets the need for artificial lighting in the building.
· Sustainable materials – The columns and trusses, the primary structural elements in Zoomazium, are made of glu-laminated timbers that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC serves as a benchmark for sustainable forest practices to enhance wildlife habitats and ecology through better stewardship of timber forests.
· Green solar screens – Planted walls are strategically placed to screen staff office area windows, which filter low early sunlight and reduce heat gain.
· Patterned glass – White dots on the windows of Zoomazium help reduce the likelihood of bird strikes by using pattern glass called “fritting.” The pattern allows it to be more visible to wildlife from the exterior, while appearing clear from the inside. Through Mithun’s consultation with an expert ornithologist, the new glass technology makes Zoomazium one of the first buildings in the nation to address the prevalent issue of bird strikes, which often result in bird deaths. The patterned glass also serves to reduce solar heat gain in the building.
· Recycled content materials – Recycled content products are used wherever possible, such as the carpeting and walk-off mats.
· Raised access floor – This system allows a great deal of flexibility in the future for changing exhibits and program elements; it houses water pipes and electrical wiring underneath. The access floor allows exhibits to evolve as program needs change, without drastically changing the building’s construction or expending additional energy and resources.
Be sure to check out the full article: Zoomazium is Awarded LEED Gold
Technorati Tags: zoomazium, zoo, seattle, woodland park zoo, LEED, green building, green construction, green roof, recycling, education, nature, energy conservation, sustainability, environment
Written by Bentley on January 31st, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Green Construction and Interesting & Notable.
There is nothing like a cup of fresh roasted coffee to get you going in the morning. Coffee is by far my biggest addiction. I have tried unsuccessfully to quit drinking coffee for many years. I have now come to terms with my addiction and always start my morning off with a fresh cup of java. In my search for eco-restaurants I came across a community-based business in Toronto called Alternative Grounds.
Alternative Grounds is a fairtrade coffee house and roastery. According to the website, they have been in business for the last 10 years and the only roaster in the area that roasts solely fairtrade coffees. Over the years, Alternative Grounds has expanded their fairtrade offerings with variety of teas, cocoa and hot chocolate, chocolate bars, hand-made chocolates and varieties of juice.
I love their philosophy:
Alternative Grounds Coffee House and Roastery is a community-based business. We believe that the practice of business and the strengthening of community should go hand-in-hand.
Our cafe is rooted in the concept of welcome; that is, the creation of space that provides opportunities for the collective energy and gifts of community members to be respected and shared. Indeed, we believe that much that is important in life occurs over a good cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Given our belief in the power of a shared cup of coffee, our commitment to strengthening relationships locally extends to our relationships globally. Our commitment to fairtrade in coffee is then a matter of principle as well as great taste! Coffee that connects you to the world!
I will be in Toronto on Thursday and will try and make it over to Alternative Grounds for a freshly brewed coffee. I can hardly wait, my addiction is calling out to me.
Technorati Tags: fairtrade coffee, Toronto coffee, coffee roastery, organic coffee
Written by steve on January 30th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Green Business.
Last week one of our readers (Sarah) made a comment re: my Building A Green Dream Home post, and reminded me about a fantastic sustainable living resource that I was familiar with but had never fully explored.
Well thankfully this time I did spend some quality time on the site and of course ended up kicking myself for not doing so earlier!
No surprises here – the site I’m talking about is Path to Freedom, a site I’m sure many (if not most) greenies would be familiar with.
I’ve talked before about inspirational websites featuring folks who are further along the ‘green path’ than us – and this is certainly another prime example.
For those of you who are not familiar with the site:
At Path to Freedom, the Dervaes family has steadily transformed their ordinary city lot in Pasadena, California, into an integral urban homestead. And, along the way, they are striving to become earth stewards, taking care of the precious gift we all have been given.
These eco-pioneers regard their 1/5 acre urban homestead as a sustainable living resource center where they are setting out to live by example while also inspiring others to “just do it!”
Their objective is to live as sustainably and self-sufficiently as possible in an urban environment in harmony with nature and each other, while also inspiring others to “think globally, act locally.” Their homestead supports four adults, who live and work full time on a 66’ x 132’ city lot (1/5 acre).
Just that brief description alone totally inspires me, and really emphasizes the point that Sarah (mentioned above) was trying to make – ie. don’t hold back your green plans/ideas while you wait for your dreams to come to fruition. I totally agree, and while I do love to dream about my ultimate eco-farm property, I’m also pretty excited about the idea of really greening up my suburban lot this year!
I’m sure I must have close to 1/5 of an acre myself so there are certainly lots of possibilities.
The Path To Freedom website is an absolute treasure trove of great information, covering many different aspects of the journey towards sustainable living. You will find a wide assortment of different features, including a newsletter, message board, videos – even a green product store! I’m a very visual person, so I certainly appreciate the many photos sprinkled throughout – not to mention the extensive photo gallery.
Bottom-line, I highly recommend you spend some time on this site if you are at all interested in sustainable living. It’s definitely one of my new favourites!
Technorati Tags: path to freedom, sustainable living, homestead, homesteading, organic gardening, biodiesel, solar power, green living, independent living, alternative energy, self sufficiency
Written by Bentley on January 29th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Gardening and Interesting & Notable.
I came across an article this morning that really caught my attention. The article is about Acorn House, a restaurant in London that has its sights on becoming carbon neutral. Their goal is to operate the restaurant as greenly as possible and offset their carbon emissions by planting trees, cultivating flowers, and recycling waste.
From the sounds of things, Acorn House is not just talking the talk. Here are some of their green initiatives:
• The tap water they serve is purified on the premises
• All the fresh produce is sustainable and locally sourced
• Food waste is thrown on the compost heap
• The tables and benches are made from reclaimed wood
• Restaurant vehicles run on biodiesel
• Restaurant has been built to maximise natural light
• Imported produce comes by ship or rail
I did a bit of digging and found the Acorn House website and the following statement:
Acorn House is an exciting new restaurant venture offering exceptional quality food with a fresh, seasonally evolving menu. Every aspect from design through to delivery aims to be environmentally conscious and sustainable.
Writing this article is making me hungry. I had a look at their current dinner menu and it was nice to see a menu that is simple and not confusing; Stilton & walnut risotto, Pan fired salmon and pear barley broth, and Char-grilled porkchop with honey and thyme. Here is a restaurant that gets it! I think people want simplicity when they go out for dinner and being able to read and understand the menu is the start of a great culinary adventure. Congrats Acorn House, you are well on your way to securing a foothold in the London culinary landscape.
Have you been to Acorn House? If so, we would love to hear about your experience and post your comments on our website. The next time Bentley and I are in London, we will be sure to stop at Acorn House for a green epicurean experience!
To read more about Acorn House, here is the original article.
Technorati Tags: Acorn House, green restaurants, local produce, eating green, London, carbon neutral, eco business, eco restaurants
Written by steve on January 29th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Green Business.
Not too long ago I heard (via the aquaponics list I belong to) about a very intriguing greenhouse design created by a farmer in Manitoba for the purpose of growing Chinese vegetables year round.
Apparently, even with winter temps commonly dropping below -30 C (-22 F), the montly bill for three greenhouses was an average of only $140 CAD!
So what is the secret?
Passive solar heating coupled with a specialized thermal insulation blanket (lowered in the evenings).
Here is some exerpts from a very interesting article describing the greenhouse:
The weather outside may be frightful, but inside the greenhouses of Wenkai Oriental Vegetables in Elie, Man., even on a January afternoon with a brisk wind tearing across the prairie, it’s a balmy 27 C.
With the bright sun coming through the single layer of six-millimetre-thick plastic that covers the structure’s southern exposure and tiny transplanted Chinese cabbage seedlings poking up in neat rows in the damp, rich black soil, it feels more like a beautiful morning in June.
Unlike most greenhouses, which are heavily dependent on expensive supplementary heat, mainly natural gas, Wenkai Liu’s operation runs on pennies a day.
“Even when it’s -30 C, we don’t have to use any heat to keep it warm,” said Liu. “Our design offers energy savings of about 95 percent.”
The three 100 foot by 23 foot greenhouses, which were built using a design that is common in China, store heat from the sun in a 15 centimetre thick, two metre high stud frame wall filled with dry sand, and covered on the inside with aluminum sheeting that has been painted black. The outside has a layer of fiberglass insulation covered with plywood.
—————————-
Liu, who has lived near Elie with his wife and two young children since 1996, built the greenhouses two years ago with the help of a $20,000 research grant from Manitoba’s agriculture ministry, and technical assistance from Shenyang University in northeastern China.
“I brought the technology from China to show people how to operate a greenhouse in winter and save energy,” said Liu, 50, who was born in China.
Before that, he got a master’s degree in agriculture from North Dakota State University and worked in Venezuela for two years as an expert adviser. He also grows Chinese vegetables outdoors on his 10 acre farm during the summer, which he sells at fresh markets and through a contract agreement with Superstore.
Be sure to check out the full article: System heats greenhouse on pennies a day
For those of you who are scientifically-inclined, I also highly recommend you check out this research article (PDF) describing the performance of one of these greenhouses: Winter performance of a solar energy greenhouse in southern Manitoba
In case you are interested, Liu apparently will sell you the parts (and perhaps the plans?) to build you own for $10,000 (CAD $$) or so!
Like Spin Farming, this is very cool indeed, and makes me truly realize what could be possible here in southern Ontario!
Technorati Tags: greenhouse, manitoba, solar heating, passive heating, winter greenhouse, energy saving, alternative energy, chinese cabbage, greenhouse plans, gardening, farming
Written by Bentley on January 26th, 2007 with 1 comment.
Read more articles on Gardening and Green Energy.
The arctic assault continues here in southern Ontario and the conditions in my winter worm composting bin have definitely not been getting any better! I have a hunch that today was the coldest day so far this winter – even just clearing the snow off my wife’s car this morning resulted in some frozen fingertips (even though I was wearing gloves).
There was no doubt I was going to need to check on the composter, and potentially perform some emergency thermo-resuscitation!
Later in the day when I opened up the bin (with difficulty) I saw that conditions inside were indeed pretty grim. Aside from a large mass of snow and ice on the inside of the lid, I could see that frost had spread all around the inside walls and throughout the upper layer of paper. The old door mat that sits on top of the composting mass was nearly rigid.
I can’t say I was too surprised when I wasn’t even able to find any zones with temperatures as high as 10 degrees C (50F). I knew some immediate action was needed if I expected to keep temperatures above freezing for much longer.
I decided a nice hot water bath and the addition of extra paper and cardboard insulation layers at the top would be my best bet for the time being. My dad has offered to help me secure a decent amount of horse manure (from a friend) which should definitely help with insulation and heating, but I won’t get ahold of it until sometime next week.
As mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been trying to avoid adding too much water during the winter (don’t want to create an anaerobic reservoir), but desperate times call for desperate measures! I’m hopeful that the hot water will be enough to kickstart the biological activity (and thus natural heating) within the mass. I’ve added a decent quantity of food waste lately so there should be enough ‘fuel for the fire’, but we shall see.
The winter composting saga continues…
Previous posts in this series:
Composter’s Log – The Iceman Cameth
Composter’s Log: Stardate 60492.2 – ‘Oh Winter, Where Art Thou?’
Composter’s Log: Stardate 60429.3 – Unusual Life Forms
Composter’s Log: Stardate 60393.6 – Winter Has Arrived
Composter’s Log: Stardate 60376.9 – RED ALERT!!
Composter’s Log – Stardate 60352.8
Winter Composting Extravaganza
Technorati Tags: compost, composting, winter composting, compost bin, worm composting, vermicomposting, worm bin, kitchen scraps
Note: The Winter Composting Extravaganza has moved to a new home. To catch all the latest winter composting action be sure to check out the Compost Guy
Winter Composting Page.
Written by Bentley on January 25th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Waste Management.
This sounds interesting:
This workshop at Toronto’s Design Exchange takes place on Friday, February 23, 2007. It will explore an emerging approach to bioregional planning that emphasizes the symbiosis between dense, ecologically sensitive, convivial development; sustainable commerce and governance; and connected, healthy green spaces.
Frameworks and case studies of both “eco-density” and multi-functional landscapes will be studied, providing a wide range of ecosystem services. The institutional and financial models that might enable what the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority calls the “Living City” will be explored.
Participants will have a chance to test these ideas using pattern languages (www.conservationeconomy.net) and “open space” dialogue, resulting in a vivid and compelling vision for the greater Toronto region as it adapts to a carbon constrained, post-fossil fuel world.
For more information, please visit www.dx.org/livingcity.html.
SOURCE: Canadian Architect
Technorati Tags: ecological design, toronto, living city, regional planning, green design, green construction, sustainability
Written by Bentley on January 25th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Announcements.
I came across a link for the green magazine Plenty this morning and I thought I would share my thoughts with our readers. The Plenty website is very clean, simple, easy to navigate and most importantly, and full of green!
The article that I find the most interesting is, “The Plenty 20”. The web article lists 20 companies that are pushing the ecological envelope. The companies range from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Some of the more recognizable names that made the list are General Electric, Toyota, Whole Foods and Goldman Sachs.
The company that piqued my curiosity the most is Nanosolar. According to the article, Nanosolar is has developed a thin film technology for producing solar panels that are lighter, cheaper, and as efficient as traditional solar panels. As I read the article I found myself surfing over to Nanosolar’s website.
On Nanosolar’s website, the first thing they mention is that they are on track to make solar electricity cost-efficient, mass-produced on a global scale and available in many versatile forms. I had a chance to look at their CNN video and I must say that I was very impressed with the technology. It is easy to see why their mission statement is: “A Solar Panel on Every Building”. If they are able to get their solar plant built and running efficiently, the skies the limit for the company and for purchasers of their solar panels.
If you are interested in learning about Nanosolar or the other companies that made the Plenty Top 20, head over to the Plenty website. In order to read the full article, you need to visit your local supermarket or bookstore to buy the magazine or sign-up for a subscription online. I think I will head out this afternoon to buy my copy of Plenty.
Technorati Tags: green magazine, Plenty Magazine, General Electric, Nanosolar, sustainable, solar power, sustainable living
Written by steve on January 24th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Green Business.
