The importance of efficient air purifiers is actually higher than it has ever been. Today more people than ever before suffer from asthma along with other allergy symptoms. Usually these problems are caused by toxins and contaminants in the air. The usage of an air cleaner can often assist in improving the standard of life of people who have allergies. They allow you to breathe in air flow than may be cleaned by using a number of strategies, dependant upon the atmosphere purification system that you employ.Discovering the air purifier reviews will be easy to do if you follow the helpful hints in this post.
Electronic home air cleaners work by filtering air in a space. Dust, mildew, bacteria, cigarette smoke and plant pollen are captured by the air purifier and allow that you breathe the actual fresh and filtered breathable air. Modern-day machines can be very efficient and a few can easily cleanse the environment by as much as 97 percent. This can be a significant decline in the amount of flying contaminants which could reach your current airway and also lungs.
A new HEPA air purifier is among the most popular kind of machine available. A Honeywell purifier can capture and filter even the most basic of contaminants. These home air cleaners have turned out to be very useful in lessening exposure to allergens and other modest airborne contaminants which can help with a variety of respiratory system disorders and also illnesses.
When scouting for an air air purifier there are a few items that you need to think about. The ability of an air cleaner is very important. Make sure that the machine you are looking for is capable of cleansing the volume of air with your room or building.
Make sure you get an air purifier which has a minimal power usage. As you should not increase your power bills. You should also take into account the cost of substitution filters when they are required. Occasionally the less expensive units will certainly prove to be more expensive in the long run. If you want to keep buying filters as well as parts then you can wish you had bought a different machine.
The majority of air purifiers make use of an electric fan in order to filter the air. The actual fan may produce noises which some people may well not like. It is really an important issue should you be looking for an air purifier for usage inside a bedroom. Normally, the more powerful machines create the most sound.
To summarize, if you're considering getting an air purifier for your house, then consider the above mentioned items into account before making a decision. No matter what air cleaner you decide on be certain that it happens to be from a well known company who'll supply you a warrantee. If you stick to the good advice in this post you should be capable to drastically lessen the effect which air-borne pollution have on your daily life and enjoy inhaling cleansed and moreover filtrated breathable air for many years into the future.
2012年2月20日星期一
2012年2月19日星期日
Hotel guests want Wi-Fi, not a phone by the toilet
Do you remember those days when you were happy simply if your hotel room had clean sheets, a telephone with an outside line and no stains on the walls or floors?
We've come a long way since the days of tiny soap and two plastic glasses wrapped in plastic. But, I have to tell you, since reading about how accommodations are accommodating the changing needs of the modern traveler, I've recently had spasms of nostalgia for those simple days.
Consider that a hotel in Charlotte, N.C., now calls its housekeepers "room stylists."
That's kind of extreme, but you see where things are headed. In the crowded and competitive lodging industry, hoteliers are listening to their guests, and doing their best to keep up.
TripAdvisor recently published results of a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers as well as 600-plus hotel professionals, asking each group which amenities were most and least important to them.
Wi-Fi Internet access topped the "most" list of both groups, while turn-down service topped the "least" list.
Amenities are a big deal, of course, since it's easy to click around on your device to compare what's being offered for what price. While a chocolate on the pillow won't scare anyone off, 54 percent of travelers surveyed said they have canceled a lodging reservation because they found better amenities at a different property, TripAdvisor reported.
The survey also reported that 45 percent of respondents said their favorite new food and drink amenities are happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks, and 31 percent wished more rooms would include free bottled water.
On the "who cares?" side of the ledger, 44 percent of women and 30 percent of men opined that luxury amenities were "not worth the hype."
The bathroom phone is the least-used fancy amenity, with 37 percent of respondents saying they never touch it.
When asked if they could stay celebrity-style, the top option for both men and women, at 36 percent, was to have the kitchen pre-stocked with their favorite food and beverages. A close second was the ability to have a private pool and hot tub in the room. These options beat out such diva-style demands as an in-room arcade, specific types of fresh flowers everywhere, private staff — even a movie screening room.
A recent story on hotels catering to the evolving tastes of travelers — particularly business travelers — was cited in the daily industry news brief for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The story and accompanying video from an NBC affiliate in North Carolina noted the various "pretty dramatic changes" the industry is going through.
Among them are changes you never even imagined, as well as ones you were probably wishing for:
A hotel corridor bereft of a housekeeping cart. These bastions of the hotel biz apparently are on their last rattling wheels, to be replaced by smaller, more maneuverable caddies rolled right into the room.
That change will also eliminate the propped-open room doors, which means no more fears about passersby peeking in on your style of "spreading out" or — worse — someone wandering in to steal something.
Speaking of theft, the new system will thwart those who like to snag a few towels, toiletries or souvenirs from the unattended carts. And you won't be stocking up on the room toiletries as often either, as more and more companies are replacing them with refillable dispensers.
Other ways hotels are changing to accommodate the travel habits of today's traveler:
Hotels are rethinking their lobbies and other public areas to be more appealing for socializing, working and just relaxing outside the guest room. That's because more than a third of the business travelers these days are between 18 and 44, a group that doesn't like sitting in hotel rooms, said Adam Weissenberg of Deloitte & Touche, who specializes in the lodging industry.
More convenient places to plug in: Outlets are everywhere people hang out — check around your bar, lobby or restaurant table. It may be wired and ready for your power cord.
Tubs are dead: In a faster world, it's all about a quick shower — that is, if you can extricate yourself from those massage-and-waterfall experiences you'll find in hotel bathrooms.
We've come a long way since the days of tiny soap and two plastic glasses wrapped in plastic. But, I have to tell you, since reading about how accommodations are accommodating the changing needs of the modern traveler, I've recently had spasms of nostalgia for those simple days.
Consider that a hotel in Charlotte, N.C., now calls its housekeepers "room stylists."
That's kind of extreme, but you see where things are headed. In the crowded and competitive lodging industry, hoteliers are listening to their guests, and doing their best to keep up.
TripAdvisor recently published results of a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers as well as 600-plus hotel professionals, asking each group which amenities were most and least important to them.
Wi-Fi Internet access topped the "most" list of both groups, while turn-down service topped the "least" list.
Amenities are a big deal, of course, since it's easy to click around on your device to compare what's being offered for what price. While a chocolate on the pillow won't scare anyone off, 54 percent of travelers surveyed said they have canceled a lodging reservation because they found better amenities at a different property, TripAdvisor reported.
The survey also reported that 45 percent of respondents said their favorite new food and drink amenities are happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks, and 31 percent wished more rooms would include free bottled water.
On the "who cares?" side of the ledger, 44 percent of women and 30 percent of men opined that luxury amenities were "not worth the hype."
The bathroom phone is the least-used fancy amenity, with 37 percent of respondents saying they never touch it.
When asked if they could stay celebrity-style, the top option for both men and women, at 36 percent, was to have the kitchen pre-stocked with their favorite food and beverages. A close second was the ability to have a private pool and hot tub in the room. These options beat out such diva-style demands as an in-room arcade, specific types of fresh flowers everywhere, private staff — even a movie screening room.
A recent story on hotels catering to the evolving tastes of travelers — particularly business travelers — was cited in the daily industry news brief for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The story and accompanying video from an NBC affiliate in North Carolina noted the various "pretty dramatic changes" the industry is going through.
Among them are changes you never even imagined, as well as ones you were probably wishing for:
A hotel corridor bereft of a housekeeping cart. These bastions of the hotel biz apparently are on their last rattling wheels, to be replaced by smaller, more maneuverable caddies rolled right into the room.
That change will also eliminate the propped-open room doors, which means no more fears about passersby peeking in on your style of "spreading out" or — worse — someone wandering in to steal something.
Speaking of theft, the new system will thwart those who like to snag a few towels, toiletries or souvenirs from the unattended carts. And you won't be stocking up on the room toiletries as often either, as more and more companies are replacing them with refillable dispensers.
Other ways hotels are changing to accommodate the travel habits of today's traveler:
Hotels are rethinking their lobbies and other public areas to be more appealing for socializing, working and just relaxing outside the guest room. That's because more than a third of the business travelers these days are between 18 and 44, a group that doesn't like sitting in hotel rooms, said Adam Weissenberg of Deloitte & Touche, who specializes in the lodging industry.
More convenient places to plug in: Outlets are everywhere people hang out — check around your bar, lobby or restaurant table. It may be wired and ready for your power cord.
Tubs are dead: In a faster world, it's all about a quick shower — that is, if you can extricate yourself from those massage-and-waterfall experiences you'll find in hotel bathrooms.
2012年2月16日星期四
Review finds air purifier does almost nothing
The video spot for LightAir air cleaners promises that they can protect you from dangerous pollutants. Consumer Reports tested the $300 LightAir Ion Flow 50-F Surface, along with more than two dozen other portable air cleaners.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke.
Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reports says even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one -- something you need to do every couple of months.
Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke.
Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reports says even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one -- something you need to do every couple of months.
Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
2012年2月15日星期三
Nitride Solutions finalizes Series A funding round at $2.5m
Nitride Solutions Inc of Wichita, KS, USA, which is developing substrates for LEDs, lasers and power electronics, has closed its Series A financing round (which was oversubscribed) at $2.5m. After already participating in the round last June, Nebraska Angels and Aurora UV Inc of Santa Barbara, CA (which makes ultraviolet LEDs for applications including air and water purification) have again joined lead investor Midwest Venture Alliance (MVA) in completing the round.
Founded in 2009, Nitride Solutions’ leadership has 30-plus years of experience in advanced materials businesses (both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies) and a total of 25 years in nitride crystal development. The firm maintains strong ties to Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, with key employees and advisors hailing from the university, as well as University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).
The firm is now finishing commercialization of a high-volume manufacturing technology that aims to deliver high-volume, low-cost aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. With projected defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market, the substrates will improve the performance, efficiency and cost of existing LED, laser and electronic products, while also making deep ultraviolet (UV) devices, the firm reckons. The result should be improved white lighting for consumer and industrial uses, more efficient power systems in hybrid vehicles, sharper color on flat-screen TVs, and better air and water purifiers. The firm will use the Series A funding to perfect the technology and begin sampling in first-quarter 2012.
“We are excited about the potential for this technology, and the strong demand for the Series A financing is a demonstration of our confidence in the company’s ability to execute on its business plan and deliver this revolutionary technology to market,” says Nebraska Angels’ president Bart Dillashaw.
“Fund raising in this economy is difficult,” notes Trish Brasted, managing member, MVA Capital Group. “All of us at the Midwest Venture Alliance are very excited to see the support from the regional investment community, as demonstrated by the oversubscribed Series A offering.”
Founded in 2009, Nitride Solutions’ leadership has 30-plus years of experience in advanced materials businesses (both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies) and a total of 25 years in nitride crystal development. The firm maintains strong ties to Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, with key employees and advisors hailing from the university, as well as University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).
The firm is now finishing commercialization of a high-volume manufacturing technology that aims to deliver high-volume, low-cost aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. With projected defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market, the substrates will improve the performance, efficiency and cost of existing LED, laser and electronic products, while also making deep ultraviolet (UV) devices, the firm reckons. The result should be improved white lighting for consumer and industrial uses, more efficient power systems in hybrid vehicles, sharper color on flat-screen TVs, and better air and water purifiers. The firm will use the Series A funding to perfect the technology and begin sampling in first-quarter 2012.
“We are excited about the potential for this technology, and the strong demand for the Series A financing is a demonstration of our confidence in the company’s ability to execute on its business plan and deliver this revolutionary technology to market,” says Nebraska Angels’ president Bart Dillashaw.
“Fund raising in this economy is difficult,” notes Trish Brasted, managing member, MVA Capital Group. “All of us at the Midwest Venture Alliance are very excited to see the support from the regional investment community, as demonstrated by the oversubscribed Series A offering.”
2012年2月14日星期二
Our partners at Consumer Reports put air purifiers to the test
Americans spend more than $500 million on air cleaners each year. But do they really purify the air like they promise? The video spot for LightAir air cleaners promises that they can protect you from dangerous pollutants. Consumer Reports tested the $300 LightAir Ion Flow 50-F Surface, along with more than two dozen other portable air cleaners.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke. Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reportssays even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one— something you need to do every couple of months. Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke. Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reportssays even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one— something you need to do every couple of months. Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
2012年2月13日星期一
Pleather Lerner Arm Chairs
What does an Air Purifier from Sharper Image, 1980s David Bowie, and the pleathery chairs in Lerner have in common? They all look like they are from the future. Not a day goes by when I don’t pass by the rows of avant-garde arm chairs and feel like I am in the movie Tron and we are all but programs in the vast computer of life. What’s more is that sitting in these chairs provides the comfort to ponder such mysteries for hours.
Serving the Ferris post-mealtime crowd as well as students attempting to nab a mildly social study spot on the upper floors of Lerner, these retro recliners have a small, but loyal following. True Pleatherheads, as they are often called, must be able to enjoy the maximum comfort without falling asleep to maximize productivity— a task that deserves much applause. Early on my way to a meeting in the SGO, I decided to pop a squat in the perfectly square seat and see where it took me.
The cushion hit my bum with both rigidness and welcoming. Sort of like a troubled child coming home from military school. It let me sink in a bit, but I didn’t plunge into an abyss of sleek black textile. This probably accounts for students being able to work here without falling asleep. The lumbar support irked me a bit: one can slouch lazily, but if one desires to sit with proper posture, say a ballerina, or someone English, or someone with really good parents, it can be awkward because the horizontal of the chair is rather long, causing the knees to bend incompletely.
The pleather on the other hand was perfectly polished. I could almost see myself on it. It felt nothing of real leather, but rather of the reinforced plastic they make slip and slides with. This slipperiness should make for unreliable arm resting, but the chairs are arranged compactly side-by-side, so the double armchair action minimizes slippage. It smelt leathery, through you could tell this was the result of some polish or scent intentionally applied by the chair producer.
Extraneous to my evaluation, I must highlight one flaw that the chair will not be penalized on, but should be noted regardless. The accompanying coffee table set up is flawed. One has to crouch down to reach their belongings on it, and those who refuse to engage in such awkward behavior still can’t utilize it as a foot rest either: many people eat on these tables, so it is seen as a sort of party foul. Lerner is a social space, after all.
Serving the Ferris post-mealtime crowd as well as students attempting to nab a mildly social study spot on the upper floors of Lerner, these retro recliners have a small, but loyal following. True Pleatherheads, as they are often called, must be able to enjoy the maximum comfort without falling asleep to maximize productivity— a task that deserves much applause. Early on my way to a meeting in the SGO, I decided to pop a squat in the perfectly square seat and see where it took me.
The cushion hit my bum with both rigidness and welcoming. Sort of like a troubled child coming home from military school. It let me sink in a bit, but I didn’t plunge into an abyss of sleek black textile. This probably accounts for students being able to work here without falling asleep. The lumbar support irked me a bit: one can slouch lazily, but if one desires to sit with proper posture, say a ballerina, or someone English, or someone with really good parents, it can be awkward because the horizontal of the chair is rather long, causing the knees to bend incompletely.
The pleather on the other hand was perfectly polished. I could almost see myself on it. It felt nothing of real leather, but rather of the reinforced plastic they make slip and slides with. This slipperiness should make for unreliable arm resting, but the chairs are arranged compactly side-by-side, so the double armchair action minimizes slippage. It smelt leathery, through you could tell this was the result of some polish or scent intentionally applied by the chair producer.
Extraneous to my evaluation, I must highlight one flaw that the chair will not be penalized on, but should be noted regardless. The accompanying coffee table set up is flawed. One has to crouch down to reach their belongings on it, and those who refuse to engage in such awkward behavior still can’t utilize it as a foot rest either: many people eat on these tables, so it is seen as a sort of party foul. Lerner is a social space, after all.
2012年2月12日星期日
The Aromatic Plug-In Air Fresheners
An air freshener is a product designed to mask or remove unpleasant room ordors. These products typically deliver fragrance and other odor counteractants into the air.
Fragrance compounds have been used since antiquity to freshen air and mask odors, For example, the ancient Egyptians were known to use musks and other natural materials to scent their tombs. Over the last 2,000 years a variety of compounds, including numerous spices and floral extracts, have been used for their ability to impart a pleasant aroma. However, it was not until 1948 that the first modern air freshener was introduced. This product, using technology developed by the military to dispense insecticides, was a pressurized spray containing about 1% perfume, 24% alcohol or other solvents, and 75% chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. This was able to deliver a fine mist of fragrance that remained suspended in the air for a long period of time.
Today as the popularity of these scented air fresheners are on the rise, allergists are hearing more complaints about reactions to these toxic scented products.
Dr. Stanley Fineman is the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI). ” I’ve seen patients who say, ‘I go into somebody’s house who has one of these air fresheners and I just can’t stay there. I have increasing nasal symptoms, sneezing and coughing.’ There is no allergy skin test for air fresheners, but people can definitely have a physiologic response to it.”
“About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrance can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) commonly found in air fresheners include: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Fineman says a study of plug-in deodorizers found more than 20 different VOC’s with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.
Fineman says consumers should be particularly concerned if someone in the household has respiratory issues. He says studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted standards increase risks in asthma children.
High concentrations of VOC’s can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment.
Despite all this, the home fragrance industry is expected to see continued growth, reaching $8.3 billion in global sales by 2015, so, why the fondness for air fresheners?
The new trend is manufacturers are marketing products to be aromatherapy which implies health and mood boosting benefits although there are no scientific studies to support these claims.
Dr. Stanley Fineman wasn’t the first to warn us about these dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A study in 2010 led by the University of Washington discovered that 2 commonly used scented products (like laundry detergent and air fresheners) emit and average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law.
Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere. Even so-called “Green” products were not “safe.”
Gretchen Schaefer, vice president of communications for the Consumer Specialty Products Association, an industry group, said that VOCs aren’t necessarily harmful.
“Anything that emits a scent — flowers or the scent of pine if you walk through a forest or your Christmas tree– is emitting a VOC,” she said.
In the United States, air fresheners are subject to the Toxic Substance Control Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which requires that manufacturers inform consumers of risks and ingredients that could contribute to that risk. But some expects say the requirements aren’t stringent enough.
“The Federal hazardous Substance Act requires that the manufacturer put the proper–use information on the label,”Schaefer said.”These products are safe if you use them according to the label instructions.”
If you are still adamant about purchasing plug -in air fresheners use caution. Read the labels to ensure the product does not contain harmful chemicals. Ventilate the room as much as possible. Be extra sensitive to the amount of air fresheners you are using around small children.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that you first try to reduce bad home odors by attacking the source, rather than masking the problem. Identify and remove bad odors. Keep windows open as much as possible. If troubling odors persist, invest in an air purifier with activated carbon filtration.
Air fresheners need not be synthetic to produce an appealing and pleasant scent. Try adding orange, lemon or lavender essential oils to cotton balls and place throughout the house. You can also simmer spices like cinnamon and cloves in a small saucepan on the stove. These tips will leave your home smelling fresh and give you peace of mind that no harmful pollutants are being ingested.
Fragrance compounds have been used since antiquity to freshen air and mask odors, For example, the ancient Egyptians were known to use musks and other natural materials to scent their tombs. Over the last 2,000 years a variety of compounds, including numerous spices and floral extracts, have been used for their ability to impart a pleasant aroma. However, it was not until 1948 that the first modern air freshener was introduced. This product, using technology developed by the military to dispense insecticides, was a pressurized spray containing about 1% perfume, 24% alcohol or other solvents, and 75% chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. This was able to deliver a fine mist of fragrance that remained suspended in the air for a long period of time.
Today as the popularity of these scented air fresheners are on the rise, allergists are hearing more complaints about reactions to these toxic scented products.
Dr. Stanley Fineman is the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI). ” I’ve seen patients who say, ‘I go into somebody’s house who has one of these air fresheners and I just can’t stay there. I have increasing nasal symptoms, sneezing and coughing.’ There is no allergy skin test for air fresheners, but people can definitely have a physiologic response to it.”
“About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrance can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) commonly found in air fresheners include: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Fineman says a study of plug-in deodorizers found more than 20 different VOC’s with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.
Fineman says consumers should be particularly concerned if someone in the household has respiratory issues. He says studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted standards increase risks in asthma children.
High concentrations of VOC’s can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment.
Despite all this, the home fragrance industry is expected to see continued growth, reaching $8.3 billion in global sales by 2015, so, why the fondness for air fresheners?
The new trend is manufacturers are marketing products to be aromatherapy which implies health and mood boosting benefits although there are no scientific studies to support these claims.
Dr. Stanley Fineman wasn’t the first to warn us about these dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A study in 2010 led by the University of Washington discovered that 2 commonly used scented products (like laundry detergent and air fresheners) emit and average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law.
Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere. Even so-called “Green” products were not “safe.”
Gretchen Schaefer, vice president of communications for the Consumer Specialty Products Association, an industry group, said that VOCs aren’t necessarily harmful.
“Anything that emits a scent — flowers or the scent of pine if you walk through a forest or your Christmas tree– is emitting a VOC,” she said.
In the United States, air fresheners are subject to the Toxic Substance Control Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which requires that manufacturers inform consumers of risks and ingredients that could contribute to that risk. But some expects say the requirements aren’t stringent enough.
“The Federal hazardous Substance Act requires that the manufacturer put the proper–use information on the label,”Schaefer said.”These products are safe if you use them according to the label instructions.”
If you are still adamant about purchasing plug -in air fresheners use caution. Read the labels to ensure the product does not contain harmful chemicals. Ventilate the room as much as possible. Be extra sensitive to the amount of air fresheners you are using around small children.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that you first try to reduce bad home odors by attacking the source, rather than masking the problem. Identify and remove bad odors. Keep windows open as much as possible. If troubling odors persist, invest in an air purifier with activated carbon filtration.
Air fresheners need not be synthetic to produce an appealing and pleasant scent. Try adding orange, lemon or lavender essential oils to cotton balls and place throughout the house. You can also simmer spices like cinnamon and cloves in a small saucepan on the stove. These tips will leave your home smelling fresh and give you peace of mind that no harmful pollutants are being ingested.
2012年2月9日星期四
Japan Consumer Appliances Market
The March earthquake and subsequent shutdown of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima completely transformed the consumer mindset regarding energy use. Following the disaster the Japanese Government officially set the target of a 15% reduction in electricity consumption nationwide, and advertised the reduction of 50% in household electricity use by switching from air conditioners to fans. As a result sales volume of fans surged thereafter as consumers rushed to stores, with fans achieving the highest sales volume in 10 years.
Economic contraction encourages home dining and laundry
The continued economic downturn has put downwards pressure on consumer spending, with people spending an increasing amount of time at home. A trend of ‘uchishoku’ – home-cooked meals – continued to dominate the Japan consumer appliances market, and sales of premium food preparation and cooking appliances both increased in volume. The world’s first auto-rice mill breadmaker, Gopan, also became a huge hit, with home bakery another trend observed in 2011. In addition to home cooking, consumers are increasingly taking care of fashion items at home, and premium irons with a unique symmetrical base shape proved popular.
Increase in pollen allergy and multiple chemical sensitivity among consumers
Although the exact number of Japanese who are allergic to pollen is not known, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare cites research suggesting that approximately 29% of Japan’s population suffers from pollen allergy, with recognised symptoms including a runny nose and watery eyes. The population with pollen allergy is concentrated in urban areas, but the number has been rising, with indoor air quality a major concern among consumers. Air purifiers and humidifiers experienced a spike in sales volume as the news forecasts estimated pollen levels in 2011 to be five to 10 times the 2010 level. In order to maintain clean room air quality, ultra-fine filters are often used in premium vacuum cleaners to reduce dust emissions from the machine. Vacuum cleaners with high levels of filtration limit the release of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and other particles back into the air.
Demand for larger appliances increases among family households
Larger fridge-freezers over 400 litres are growing rapidly in the refrigeration appliances environment. As more women stay longer in the workforce, family households are storing large quantities of food in refrigeration appliances to avoid frequent trips to grocery stores. Additionally, increasing awareness of cleanliness and health concerns have led to consumers placing items that do not require refrigeration into such units, including rice and flour. Larger laundry machines are also popular among family households. Furthermore, the continued economic downturn has put downward pressure on professional cleaning services, with an increasing propensity among consumers to clean fabric items at home, including thick winter jackets and large blankets.
Electrical goods retailers continue to show strong presence
Although the Eco-point system ended on March 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and the power shortage continued to spur demand for energy-efficient consumer appliances in 2011. The majority of consumer appliance sales are made through electrical goods retailer multiples, and they have benefited the most from the strong-performing consumer appliances market as a whole. Major electrical goods multiples reported sales increases, and further concentration of the industry was also observed. The share of multiple electrical goods retailers has increased over the past 10 years, with their competitive positioning and customer service appealing widely to consumers.
Economic contraction encourages home dining and laundry
The continued economic downturn has put downwards pressure on consumer spending, with people spending an increasing amount of time at home. A trend of ‘uchishoku’ – home-cooked meals – continued to dominate the Japan consumer appliances market, and sales of premium food preparation and cooking appliances both increased in volume. The world’s first auto-rice mill breadmaker, Gopan, also became a huge hit, with home bakery another trend observed in 2011. In addition to home cooking, consumers are increasingly taking care of fashion items at home, and premium irons with a unique symmetrical base shape proved popular.
Increase in pollen allergy and multiple chemical sensitivity among consumers
Although the exact number of Japanese who are allergic to pollen is not known, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare cites research suggesting that approximately 29% of Japan’s population suffers from pollen allergy, with recognised symptoms including a runny nose and watery eyes. The population with pollen allergy is concentrated in urban areas, but the number has been rising, with indoor air quality a major concern among consumers. Air purifiers and humidifiers experienced a spike in sales volume as the news forecasts estimated pollen levels in 2011 to be five to 10 times the 2010 level. In order to maintain clean room air quality, ultra-fine filters are often used in premium vacuum cleaners to reduce dust emissions from the machine. Vacuum cleaners with high levels of filtration limit the release of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and other particles back into the air.
Demand for larger appliances increases among family households
Larger fridge-freezers over 400 litres are growing rapidly in the refrigeration appliances environment. As more women stay longer in the workforce, family households are storing large quantities of food in refrigeration appliances to avoid frequent trips to grocery stores. Additionally, increasing awareness of cleanliness and health concerns have led to consumers placing items that do not require refrigeration into such units, including rice and flour. Larger laundry machines are also popular among family households. Furthermore, the continued economic downturn has put downward pressure on professional cleaning services, with an increasing propensity among consumers to clean fabric items at home, including thick winter jackets and large blankets.
Electrical goods retailers continue to show strong presence
Although the Eco-point system ended on March 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and the power shortage continued to spur demand for energy-efficient consumer appliances in 2011. The majority of consumer appliance sales are made through electrical goods retailer multiples, and they have benefited the most from the strong-performing consumer appliances market as a whole. Major electrical goods multiples reported sales increases, and further concentration of the industry was also observed. The share of multiple electrical goods retailers has increased over the past 10 years, with their competitive positioning and customer service appealing widely to consumers.
2012年2月8日星期三
Air Purifiers Are They Worth It?
Air purifier filters can have a huge impact on the choice of air purifier we choose to buy, as many of us do not wish to incur the time and expense involved with regular replacement of these air cleaning filters. As the effectiveness of your air cleaner is dependent on keeping it well maintained and running smoothly, it is wise to consider whether you want to deal with air purifier filters before you buy.
One of the most effective air cleaning technologies available today is that used in the HEPA air purification systems, said to remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. This type of air cleaner, however, employs special air purifier filters, which must be changed on a regular basis in order to maintain the system’s efficiency.
In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.
The very job that air purifiers do – removing particles and dust from our air that we do not wish to breathe in – necessitates some maintenance, as these particles will gather within the cleaner and will need to be disposed of. But while both filterless systems and those that employ air purifier filters require some upkeep to remain effective, this is minimal in both cases. The job itself involves only the simple wiping down of collection plates, or quickly changing a filter – the problem is remembering to do it!
There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe – or less dangerous – indoor environment with respect to the air. Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.
Using an air purifier should not make you ignore medical advice and guidance that can lead to the removal of the irritant sources and allergen habitats in your house. At the same time, they are not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of the air. However, they can help you to diminish the number of air particles and to maintain a healthier environment inside your house.
One of the most effective air cleaning technologies available today is that used in the HEPA air purification systems, said to remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. This type of air cleaner, however, employs special air purifier filters, which must be changed on a regular basis in order to maintain the system’s efficiency.
In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.
The very job that air purifiers do – removing particles and dust from our air that we do not wish to breathe in – necessitates some maintenance, as these particles will gather within the cleaner and will need to be disposed of. But while both filterless systems and those that employ air purifier filters require some upkeep to remain effective, this is minimal in both cases. The job itself involves only the simple wiping down of collection plates, or quickly changing a filter – the problem is remembering to do it!
There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe – or less dangerous – indoor environment with respect to the air. Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.
Using an air purifier should not make you ignore medical advice and guidance that can lead to the removal of the irritant sources and allergen habitats in your house. At the same time, they are not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of the air. However, they can help you to diminish the number of air particles and to maintain a healthier environment inside your house.
2012年2月7日星期二
Howell Company Secures $465 Million Contract With Army
A company with only 40 employees in Howell is one of five that will share in a $465 million dollar contract with the U.S. Army. It's a contract that holds the opportunity to bring jobs and money to the area.
"We've been doing military work for over 20 years. They're a great customer," said Ralph Beebe, President of Highland Engineering.
Ralph Beebe and his crew at Highland Engineering work hard to provide our troops with what they need.
"When something leaves our facility, the people know where it's going…who's using it and we make sure it's right," said Beebe.
15 years ago they designed a water treatment purifier now used by the Air Force, NATO and FEMA. Recently, they've added on some new products to their list.
"It was a competitively bid contract. Highland Engineering was one of the winners and that's up to a $465 million contract over the next 5 years," said Beebe.
Beebe's company was one out of 5 companies across the country and the only one in Michigan chosen by the U.S. Army to build portable bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms and kitchens that will be shipped to troops all around the world.
The local company brings the comfort of home to our troops, the things we take for granted, like running water to wash your hands and to flush the toilet.
Not only is this one of the biggest contracts for Beebe's company, he says local suppliers will also feel the effects and when these units are in full production it will add about 40 to 50 jobs.
"The veteran unemployment rate right now is an issue and as new jobs come on that would certainly be our first stop...is hiring the vets," said Beebe.
The focus of their work is making the troops as comfortable as they possible.
"They're doing one of the hardest and most difficult jobs, a hot shower at the end of the day is great thing," said Beebe.
Beebe says they hope to be in full production of the units in 5 to 6 months. They plan to produce about 60 a month and ship more than 700 a year to troops.
"We've been doing military work for over 20 years. They're a great customer," said Ralph Beebe, President of Highland Engineering.
Ralph Beebe and his crew at Highland Engineering work hard to provide our troops with what they need.
"When something leaves our facility, the people know where it's going…who's using it and we make sure it's right," said Beebe.
15 years ago they designed a water treatment purifier now used by the Air Force, NATO and FEMA. Recently, they've added on some new products to their list.
"It was a competitively bid contract. Highland Engineering was one of the winners and that's up to a $465 million contract over the next 5 years," said Beebe.
Beebe's company was one out of 5 companies across the country and the only one in Michigan chosen by the U.S. Army to build portable bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms and kitchens that will be shipped to troops all around the world.
The local company brings the comfort of home to our troops, the things we take for granted, like running water to wash your hands and to flush the toilet.
Not only is this one of the biggest contracts for Beebe's company, he says local suppliers will also feel the effects and when these units are in full production it will add about 40 to 50 jobs.
"The veteran unemployment rate right now is an issue and as new jobs come on that would certainly be our first stop...is hiring the vets," said Beebe.
The focus of their work is making the troops as comfortable as they possible.
"They're doing one of the hardest and most difficult jobs, a hot shower at the end of the day is great thing," said Beebe.
Beebe says they hope to be in full production of the units in 5 to 6 months. They plan to produce about 60 a month and ship more than 700 a year to troops.
2012年2月6日星期一
Air quality in your home may cause headaches
When the weather report issues an air quality warning, some people stay indoors, but there's no guarantee that the air in the home is any healthier than the air outside. Common indoor air pollutants such as dust mite grime, pet dander, mold, tobacco smoke, and airborne allergens and germs may be lurking about without anyone ever noticing.
Adults spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and inhale approximately 2,300 gallons of air a day. Given that, people face significant, ongoing exposure to a variety of unwelcome indoor air pollutants. Extended exposure to these pollutants can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, headache, fatigue and even allergy symptoms. Asthmatics, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants and can develop more serious symptoms. Prolonged exposure to some pollutants has even been linked to cancer or other serious diseases.
Homeowners do, however, have the power to combat indoor air pollutants and improve their home's air quality.
One common first line of defense is a home air filtration system. These devices filter pollutants from the air circulating throughout the home. The whole-home purifier, installed in line with the ductwork of a home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, re-purifies the air as many as eight times an hour, removing a majority of pathogens, allergens and pet dander.
But an air purifier shouldn't have to do all the work. Homeowners need to do their part by maintaining a clean household. Simple things like asking people to take off their shoes at the front door or preventing family and guests from smoking indoors go a long way toward clearing indoor air, allowing homeowners to breathe a fresh sigh of relief.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Adults spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and inhale approximately 2,300 gallons of air a day. Given that, people face significant, ongoing exposure to a variety of unwelcome indoor air pollutants. Extended exposure to these pollutants can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, headache, fatigue and even allergy symptoms. Asthmatics, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants and can develop more serious symptoms. Prolonged exposure to some pollutants has even been linked to cancer or other serious diseases.
Homeowners do, however, have the power to combat indoor air pollutants and improve their home's air quality.
One common first line of defense is a home air filtration system. These devices filter pollutants from the air circulating throughout the home. The whole-home purifier, installed in line with the ductwork of a home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, re-purifies the air as many as eight times an hour, removing a majority of pathogens, allergens and pet dander.
But an air purifier shouldn't have to do all the work. Homeowners need to do their part by maintaining a clean household. Simple things like asking people to take off their shoes at the front door or preventing family and guests from smoking indoors go a long way toward clearing indoor air, allowing homeowners to breathe a fresh sigh of relief.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
2012年2月5日星期日
Automakers developing efficient engines that overturn fuel's dirty image
Diesel-powered vehicles used to get a bad rap for being noisy, dirty and slow. But they have been getting an image makeover thanks to "clean diesel" that emits less pollution--a change that could shake up the race with eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles.
At the Tokyo Motor Show in December, there were many "oohs" and "aahs" around the displays of two Mazda Motor Corp. vehicles powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine--a world first. The fuel-efficient engine can reduce emissions that cause air pollution, without an expensive purifier.
The CX-5 sport-utility vehicle, which will go on the market Feb. 16, runs 18.6 kilometers per liter of diesel oil, a fuel cheaper than gasoline. The CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient SUV, including minicar SUVs and hybrid SUVs, and packs as much power as a four-liter gasoline-powered vehicle.
The Takeri concept sedan stores energy generated during braking as electricity. According to Mazda, it can travel about 1,500 kilometers on a full tank of fuel.
"Diesel vehicles had the shortcomings of being dirty and slow. We've conquered those problems," Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi said.
The diesel SUV market is becoming rather crowded. Germany's BMW AG will introduce a diesel model of its X5 in Japan this spring. Nissan Motor Co.'s X-Trail and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s Pajero are already equipped with clean diesel engines.
With more diesel-powered vehicles arriving in showrooms, some drivers will likely be giving diesel vehicles a second look.
Diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles produce their power quite differently. In gasoline vehicles, gas is mixed with air, and this mixture is injected into a combustion chamber and ignited. In diesel vehicles, air is compressed until it reaches a high temperature, and diesel oil is then injected into it and burned.
Diesel vehicles are powerful--and more fuel-efficient--even when driven at a low speed because their combustion efficiency is better than that of gasoline vehicles.
However, diesel vehicles emit nitrogen oxide and soot, and they need a big, tough body to handle the volume of air being compressed. They tended to be noisy and had poor acceleration.
Japan experienced a recreational vehicle boom in the latter half of the 1980s, and diesel vehicles accounted for 6 percent of total new car sales. However, their popularity waned and automakers stopped introducing new diesel models, except for buses and trucks.
In the latter 1990s, European automakers developed cleaner diesel engines that produce less exhaust gases by improving the fuel injection system and using filters.
In Europe, fuel-efficient, diesel-powered vehicles have become very popular, accounting for half of new car sales.
Diesel oil is obtained with gasoline during the process of refining crude oil. Because Japan cannot consume all the diesel produced here, some is exported. The spread of diesel vehicles in this country will lead to more efficient use of diesel oil.
At the Tokyo Motor Show in December, there were many "oohs" and "aahs" around the displays of two Mazda Motor Corp. vehicles powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine--a world first. The fuel-efficient engine can reduce emissions that cause air pollution, without an expensive purifier.
The CX-5 sport-utility vehicle, which will go on the market Feb. 16, runs 18.6 kilometers per liter of diesel oil, a fuel cheaper than gasoline. The CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient SUV, including minicar SUVs and hybrid SUVs, and packs as much power as a four-liter gasoline-powered vehicle.
The Takeri concept sedan stores energy generated during braking as electricity. According to Mazda, it can travel about 1,500 kilometers on a full tank of fuel.
"Diesel vehicles had the shortcomings of being dirty and slow. We've conquered those problems," Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi said.
The diesel SUV market is becoming rather crowded. Germany's BMW AG will introduce a diesel model of its X5 in Japan this spring. Nissan Motor Co.'s X-Trail and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s Pajero are already equipped with clean diesel engines.
With more diesel-powered vehicles arriving in showrooms, some drivers will likely be giving diesel vehicles a second look.
Diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles produce their power quite differently. In gasoline vehicles, gas is mixed with air, and this mixture is injected into a combustion chamber and ignited. In diesel vehicles, air is compressed until it reaches a high temperature, and diesel oil is then injected into it and burned.
Diesel vehicles are powerful--and more fuel-efficient--even when driven at a low speed because their combustion efficiency is better than that of gasoline vehicles.
However, diesel vehicles emit nitrogen oxide and soot, and they need a big, tough body to handle the volume of air being compressed. They tended to be noisy and had poor acceleration.
Japan experienced a recreational vehicle boom in the latter half of the 1980s, and diesel vehicles accounted for 6 percent of total new car sales. However, their popularity waned and automakers stopped introducing new diesel models, except for buses and trucks.
In the latter 1990s, European automakers developed cleaner diesel engines that produce less exhaust gases by improving the fuel injection system and using filters.
In Europe, fuel-efficient, diesel-powered vehicles have become very popular, accounting for half of new car sales.
Diesel oil is obtained with gasoline during the process of refining crude oil. Because Japan cannot consume all the diesel produced here, some is exported. The spread of diesel vehicles in this country will lead to more efficient use of diesel oil.
2012年2月2日星期四
Why the Military Hates Fossil Fuels
A strange thing has happened in the politicization of climate change: Oil has become something conservatives must love, while things like energy efficiency and renewable energy have become stand-ins for liberal politics, government intervention, taxes, take your pick. So it is that people are always surprised to learn that one of the biggest proponents of green technology in the United States is that most conservative of organizations, the U.S. military. Reducing energy use, in particular this country’s dependence on fossil fuels, has become a priority amongst all branches of the military pretty much since we got involved in Iraq and Afghanistan, and given that the Department of Defense is the single largest consumer of energy in the country (spending about $4 billion per year on facility energy consumption), it has started with its own house.
Time and again top military leaders have spoken out against our dependence on oil as a matter of national security. The thing you need to remember about the military, though, is that it’s comprised more of doers than talkers. To wit, the Department of Defense has been making major investments of time and money in green technology of various kinds over the last several years, and has been executing plans to improve efficiency and reduce energy usage far faster than any of the countless state, local and federal programs we hear so much more about.
The work has begun, as any resource optimization plan should, with efficiency. In addition to the Air Force’s energy conservation program, the DoD is researching and testing several technologies through its Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Concurrently, the Army and Navy have both kicked off net zero programs, aimed at reducing not only energy use on bases, but also water use and waste. The Navy is aiming for 50 percent of its bases to have net zero energy consumption by 2020. Compared to any states renewable energy portfolio standard or energy efficiency program that is extremely aggressive, but the Navy is confident it will get it done.
The Army, meanwhile, kicked off a net-zero base competition in 2010, selecting winners for its net-zero base pilot program in spring 2011. The Army identified six net zero pilot installations in each of the energy, water, and waste categories and two integrated installations striving towards net zero on all fronts by 2020. In its Vision for Net Zero, the Army states:
By all accounts, the competition was a huge success, with base commanders putting a lot of time and energy into their proposals, and now even those that were not selected are forging ahead with their plans.
Gensler cites Major General Dana Pittard, Commanding General of Fort Bliss, in west Texas, as an example of such a commander. Although the net zero program has set 2020 as the target date, Commanding General Pittard intends to get his base to net zero energy by 2015.
The net zero programs are fairly thinly funded at the Pentagon level, but the individual bases have thrown their full support behind it, finding funding not only through various government programs but also from the private sector. It turns out most renewable energy developers and cleantech manufacturers would love to have a military base installation to showcase, and banks see the military as a great, low-risk investment.
There are a lot of moving pieces and a variety of agencies, companies, and funding sources involved, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing the military’s progress at all.
Time and again top military leaders have spoken out against our dependence on oil as a matter of national security. The thing you need to remember about the military, though, is that it’s comprised more of doers than talkers. To wit, the Department of Defense has been making major investments of time and money in green technology of various kinds over the last several years, and has been executing plans to improve efficiency and reduce energy usage far faster than any of the countless state, local and federal programs we hear so much more about.
The work has begun, as any resource optimization plan should, with efficiency. In addition to the Air Force’s energy conservation program, the DoD is researching and testing several technologies through its Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Concurrently, the Army and Navy have both kicked off net zero programs, aimed at reducing not only energy use on bases, but also water use and waste. The Navy is aiming for 50 percent of its bases to have net zero energy consumption by 2020. Compared to any states renewable energy portfolio standard or energy efficiency program that is extremely aggressive, but the Navy is confident it will get it done.
The Army, meanwhile, kicked off a net-zero base competition in 2010, selecting winners for its net-zero base pilot program in spring 2011. The Army identified six net zero pilot installations in each of the energy, water, and waste categories and two integrated installations striving towards net zero on all fronts by 2020. In its Vision for Net Zero, the Army states:
By all accounts, the competition was a huge success, with base commanders putting a lot of time and energy into their proposals, and now even those that were not selected are forging ahead with their plans.
Gensler cites Major General Dana Pittard, Commanding General of Fort Bliss, in west Texas, as an example of such a commander. Although the net zero program has set 2020 as the target date, Commanding General Pittard intends to get his base to net zero energy by 2015.
The net zero programs are fairly thinly funded at the Pentagon level, but the individual bases have thrown their full support behind it, finding funding not only through various government programs but also from the private sector. It turns out most renewable energy developers and cleantech manufacturers would love to have a military base installation to showcase, and banks see the military as a great, low-risk investment.
There are a lot of moving pieces and a variety of agencies, companies, and funding sources involved, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing the military’s progress at all.
2012年2月1日星期三
Vendors deem weekend show a great success
Many of the exhibitors at the annual Greater Portsmouth Home Show deemed the weekend event a great success as Saturday was great and Sunday was almost as well attended, was their joint agreement.
John and Mary Mirabella of Newfields have had a leaky basement for years and found several companies anxious to share their knowledge and potential solution to their long standing problem.
"I was impressed with the professionalism of the vendors I spoke with, and plan on doing business with one of them," said John.
The show offered one-stop shopping for people looking for solutions or suggestions, such as in-home vacuum systems or air purifiers, both available from Electrolux.
According to representative Nicole Bodzivch of Wales, Mass., Electrolux has more than 600 stores across the country and she does "an incredible" number of shows each year.
"This is a good one," said Bodzivch, "it is well attended and the people ask good questions. I have several good prospects and sign-ups this weekend."
A popular spot was the booth occupied by Urban Tree Service Of Rochester. According to Edward Roy, arborist for the company, the weekend was an opportunity to show the public that Urban Tree does more than take down trees.
"We do everything from transplanting trees to mosquito control, " said the UNH grad. "I enjoy expanding the public's image of our company."
Rich Guidice, a representative of the Portsmouth MetLife, enjoyed his time at the show.
"We are hooked up with WiFi," said Guidice, "and are able to give showgoers exact quotes on our very low rates."
Luncheon was available from the Frank Jones Center with scrumptious looking sandwiches and decadent brownies evident. A representative of the kitchen advised that their appropriately called homemade shepherd's pie was a big hit.
From basements to roofs pretty much anything home-oriented was available including an evaluation of your posture from Breakfast Hill Chiropractic of Rye.
As chiropractic assistant Carly Taylor put it: "You can't take care of your home if you can't move."
John and Mary Mirabella of Newfields have had a leaky basement for years and found several companies anxious to share their knowledge and potential solution to their long standing problem.
"I was impressed with the professionalism of the vendors I spoke with, and plan on doing business with one of them," said John.
The show offered one-stop shopping for people looking for solutions or suggestions, such as in-home vacuum systems or air purifiers, both available from Electrolux.
According to representative Nicole Bodzivch of Wales, Mass., Electrolux has more than 600 stores across the country and she does "an incredible" number of shows each year.
"This is a good one," said Bodzivch, "it is well attended and the people ask good questions. I have several good prospects and sign-ups this weekend."
A popular spot was the booth occupied by Urban Tree Service Of Rochester. According to Edward Roy, arborist for the company, the weekend was an opportunity to show the public that Urban Tree does more than take down trees.
"We do everything from transplanting trees to mosquito control, " said the UNH grad. "I enjoy expanding the public's image of our company."
Rich Guidice, a representative of the Portsmouth MetLife, enjoyed his time at the show.
"We are hooked up with WiFi," said Guidice, "and are able to give showgoers exact quotes on our very low rates."
Luncheon was available from the Frank Jones Center with scrumptious looking sandwiches and decadent brownies evident. A representative of the kitchen advised that their appropriately called homemade shepherd's pie was a big hit.
From basements to roofs pretty much anything home-oriented was available including an evaluation of your posture from Breakfast Hill Chiropractic of Rye.
As chiropractic assistant Carly Taylor put it: "You can't take care of your home if you can't move."
订阅：
博文 (Atom)