What are Hybrid Automotives?

Author: Luigi Castagna

The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power technology is very old. It dates back to the time when diesel electric submarines were first used.

The idea is quite simple, use two power sources to increase the overall efficiency.
Now the question arises that why it was needed. The answer is simple, it was realized that an average person would not be able to afford gasoline in the near future. CO2 emissions will also increase similarly an average person does not require a V8, he/she just needs enough power to reach his destination in time. A V8 as well as a small vehicle can accomplish this. So the hybrid vehicle was introduced.

How it works?

The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.

What is the basic idea behind Hybrid automotives?

The basic idea is to use a smaller lightweight engine to run a vehicle up to a required speed and when the car has to accelerate then the electric source can add some extra power to gain more speed. As a 1.0 liter engine can also move at 75 mph just like a V8 although the V8 has more acceleration power so why waste fuel on a muscle car when a 1.0-liter vehicle can work for you.

Types of Gasoline Hybrid Vehicles

There are two main types of gasoline hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrid car and series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the gasoline engine to turn a generator that can either charge the batteries or run an electric motor whereas the parallel hybrid car can combine the two power sources to give more power or the same amount of power but with a better mileage.

Body Structure of Hybrid Vehicles

Now the question arises how the hybrid vehicle can deliver these types of performances when they have such a small engine. They do so by using lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, low-rolling resistance tires and advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag. The hybrids can even turn the gasoline engine off when not needed such as when stopping at traffic lights. Some vehicles even use the electric power to gain a speed of 30 to 40 KM/h. Some vehicles also use regenerative braking. By this method when breaks are applied, the car decreases the speed by cutting some amount of power. This power is then used by the generator to generate electric power that can be stored for later use.

The price of these vehicles start from 23000$ and they reach up to 54000$. There are some hybrid SUVs are also available in the market.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/what-are-hybrid-automotives-179224.html

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Green Living Tips

Author: Vera Pappas

What difference can one homeowner make to the environment? Why, when big polluters are making “green” changes, do we need to change our daily living habits? The answer is simple… children! By making slight and easy changes in the way we look at, and treat Planet Earth today, future generations of children will have learned by example.

Teach the Children

My children love the outdoors, because I expose them to it. They also love computers, and I am sure if we exposed them to fast foods they would love that as well. It’s all about making good choices and being a good example. I’m not talking about wearing hemp clothing or eating granola all day long although there are those who do. You do not have to be that committed to be a part of the “Green Initiative”. For those who merely have a healthy respect for the world we live in and want to take action to help improve the environment, there are many simple changes that we can make, and teach our children to do the same.

Recycling

There is more to recycling than paper, plastic and bottles. Organic waste is one of the largest contributors to landfills which causes methane gas, the principle component of natural gas, is released into the atmosphere and is a contributing factor in the depletion of the ozone layer, which in turn plays a major part in global warming. Organic waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and non-animal food scraps do not decompose efficiently enough in landfills yet makes the best compost for your vegetable garden, flowers, trees and shrubs.

Composting is Easy

Composting can also be fun, especially if you enjoy gardening, and is even more rewarding when you think about the thousands of acres of open space being saved through the very simple practice of recycling and composting. All good gardeners know that there is nothing better for your plants and turf than good old fashioned hand made compost. There are many different types of composters on the market today that make the task of composting very easy and will protect against attracting stray or wild animals. You can even quicken the process of making compost by using safe and organic composting accelerators giving you compost within a few weeks.

Use Organic Products

Using organic fertilizers and control products also cuts down on soil, air and ground water pollution. Sure it’s easy to buy a bag of name brand fertilizer or pesticide; however it is just as easy to find organic products now more than ever. In fact, it is also just as cheap. The larger name brand companies are beginning to put out their own lines of organic gardening products, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Getting Rid of Insects

Rather than spraying for insects which would be both timely and costly, install a bat box or two in your trees and let them take care of the bugs for you! Adding ladybugs or praying mantis to your garden is much more fun than spraying weekly for bugs. If you live in a rural area and zoning allows for livestock, chickens are an amazing bug control. Yes, just a couple of chickens running loose in your yard will eat up to 1 million fleas and ticks daily.

Conserving Water

Where droughts are prevalent each year conserving water is a must. Watering your yard can account for up to 40% of water consumption. Catching rainwater with rain barrels to water your yard or garden is just as easy as dragging out your hose and will save you a substantial amount of money on your water bill. One 80 gallon rain barrel can capture 3,275 gallons of water per year and you’ll be putting the water back into the underground aquifer. Not routing rainwater from your roof to your garden will only serve to tax drainage systems rather than benefit vegetation or replenish natural, underground aquifers.

Most rain barrels are made from either 100% recycled plastic or reused food industry barrels, so either way you will also be putting renewable resources to good use and your plants and flowers will thank you for it.

Plant a Tree

Every tree planted helps remove CO2 from our atmosphere, depletion of the ozone layer. There are many other benefits to growing trees in your own yard or community for that matter. They provide homes and a safe haven for the many wild animals that still reside among us. Mature trees help shade our home from the sun, cutting down on energy consumption when using air conditioning. One of the more proactive and well established non-profit organizations is the Arbor Day Foundation which encourages the planting and care of trees worldwide.

Pervious Patios and Walkways

For every 1,000 square feet of pervious patio, driveways or walkways, you can prevent an average of 12,100 gallons of storm water runoff from going into your communities drain system. This same water will help to recharge our lakes, wetlands and groundwater.

Green Up the Inside of Your Home

Green Living not only pertains to what affects us outside, but on the inside of the home as well.

We can reduce waste going into landfills by composting our table scraps. We can save precious trees by using toilet paper made from recycled paper, and to stop using napkins and paper towels all together. An average household can save up to $120.00 per year by not buying paper towels and napkins. How do you go without them? Use cloth napkins that can be washed. And for wiping up spills and cleaning, there is nothing better to use than cloth rags.

Changing out your old traditional light bulbs for the energy saving type is an easy switch. Not only do they last longer, they run on less energy, which saves you money and the world precious resources. Wrapping your hot water heater, insulating your electrical outlets, and sealing leaky windows can also save lots of energy. Then there are the really simple changes one can make such as, turning off the lights when you are not in the room, keep the heat turned back to 68 degrees or below, only use the air conditioning when necessary, washing your clothes in cold water and only when you have a full load and that goes for the dishwasher too. You can save and cool your boiled cooking or bath water to water your houseplants. The list could go on and on…

Make a List

There are many changes that you can to help improve our environment. Gather everyone in your household and discuss how your family can contribute to the health of the world we live in. Children are the most receptive to new ideas and will have a lot of fun making their own top ten lists. By our making good choices today, our children will make even better choices tomorrow.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/green-living-tips-643943.html

About the Author
This article may be reproduced and/or distributed. Written by Vera Pappas, Co-owner of Green Nation Gardens, suppliers of unique and eco-friendly green living products for home and garden. Visit GreenNationGardens.com Today!

The Bad Side Of Hybrid Cars

Author: Jenny Styles

Hybrid cars are one of the most sought after vehicles nowadays, particularly with the growing market concern over the environment and fears of the continuing oil price hikes. People are opting to buy hybrid cars because they do not want to always fall pray to pricing pressures, and because more information is being disseminated over the dangers of fuel-induced pollutants to the surroundings.

However, while hybrid cars are jam packed with all the merits that might instantly bowl the discerning consumer over, it is not without its share of faults and disadvantages. Of course, as with anything in this world, hybrid cars have ‘catches’ to their name. This is not to discount hybrid cars altogether. We will be discussing each one in brief here and hope that it will be able to help you make your choice if you’re considering buying a hybrid car anytime soon.

Disadvantages of hybrid cars

1) Expensive Price

Hybrid vehicles generally cost more than regular cars because not too many of them are in the market yet. Much of this high price tag is attributed to the fact that hybrid cars come with a complicated battery pack and make use of an electric motor to operate. Maintenance tools for hybrid cars are also pretty rare, so expect to spend more on checkups and fix-its when the car bogs down. This can be addressed, however, over time, when more people begin to patronize hybrid cars and prompt manufacturers to make more units.

2) New and untested technology

Since hybrid cars’ technology is fairly new, its performance is still untested. This means some of the problems that may be linked with them are still unforeseen. Thus, if a new glitch arises, it is likely that it will take a while for a solution to come up. However, this bit should not deter the buyer from purchasing a hybrid car, because, well, this is how regular vehicles started out in the first place. It is all a trial and error process.

3) Acceleration

Hybrid cars, though they boast of being able to perform as well as traditional vehicles, they are generally slower, making it difficult for drivers to keep pace with other cars especially on the freeway. This lack of accelerative power can be dangerous in certain situations. (However, other car owners can see this as an advantage, because it affords the user better control of his steering.)

4) High voltage

Another disadvantage of hybrid cars is the high voltage it requires to charge itself and get ready for operation. If the hybrid car gets into an accident, the high voltage wires could become open and exposed and could cause collateral harm. It could also cause short circuits.

5) Light weight

Because hybrid cars are lighter than regular vehicles, they are more prone to accidents especially during storms. Also, in the event of a collision with other cars, hybrid cars are disadvantaged because they are likely to spin out more easily than their heavier counterparts.

Reports have shown other disadvantages of hybrid cars, but, again, these should not stop anyone from patronizing the product because, well, everything has a catch. No product is perfect and it is good to know that manufacturers are in the constant search to making hybrid vehicles more user friendly and less accident prone.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/the-bad-side-of-hybrid-cars–811486.html

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Learn about candy calories and popular candy at the Candy Facts site.

Author: Brad Martinson

Hybrid cars are getting more and more popular each day. But still we don’t know many things about them. Here are the most frequently asked questions.

1. Why are hybrid cars becoming so popular?

With the price of gasoline hiking up to astronomic proportions, a lot of motorists are resorting to different ways to save on fuel. Some of them use alternative diesel. Others resort to using bikes, which can also contribute to the clean air program.

Some who cannot do away with their rides, however, chose to buy hybrid vehicles.

2. What exactly is a hybrid car?

Primarily, a gasoline-electric hybrid car is a combination of an electric car and a gasoline-run vehicle. To make things clearer, it is first necessary to distinguish the characteristics of those two kinds.

A gas-powered vehicle is equipped with fuel tanks, which gives gasoline to the engine. The engine operates the transmission, and the transmission operates the wheels.

3. What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?

An electric car is equipped with a set of batteries which gives electric power to a motor. The motor then operates the transmission and the wheels.

Now the hybrid car is a mix of the two. The reputation of hybrids is that they add to the car’s mileage with fewer emissions usually coming from cars run by gasoline, while eliminating more or less the disadvantages that comes with electric cars.

Motorists usually take three considerations in mind when judging the usability of a vehicle. These are:

-it should run at three-hundred miles at least between fuel stops.

-Should be easily refueled, in the minimum amount of time.

-It should catch up with the other vehicles zooming on the road.

The thing is, a gasoline-powered car has all these features, but it produces lots of emission plus the mileage is poor. On the other hand, an electric car gives off almost zero pollution, but the speed is relatively slow, and can only run 50-100 miles between battery charges.

4. What are the parts of hybrid cars?

a. Gasoline engine

Compared to the engine of other cars, hybrids use smaller ones and is more technically advanced in order to maximize fuel and lessen emissions.

b. Fuel tank

This serves as the device for hybrids to store energy for the gasoline engine.

c. Electric motor

The motor present in hybrids is a study in sophistication. It can serve as both generator and motor.

d. Generator

Much like an electric motor, but its only purpose is to provide electrical power.

e. Batteries

Acts as the storage device of energy for electric motors. The advantage of hybrid car motors is that they can charge the batteries with energy as well as get energy supply from them.

f. Transmission

Acts the same as conventional car transmissions.

g. How are the energy sourcecs used in hybrid cars?

There are two ways in combining the energy sources found in hybrid cars. The first one is the parallel hybrid, which is equipped with a fuel tank that provides gasoline to an engine, and a battery set that supplied energy to the electric motor.

The second one is the series hybrid. In contrast, the generator is powered by the gasoline engine, and the generator is capable of either energizing the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that starts up the transmission.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/5-questions-about-hybrid-cars-370849.html

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Want to know how you can save 50% of your money you spend on gas this month? Come to http://www.squidoo.com/hybrid-cars-101 and see how hybrid cars work.

Can My Green Consulting Firm Benefit from a Virtual Office?

Author: VH International Business Solutions

Let’s say the you live in Seattle and you run an online consulting firm helping businesses go green. You work from a desk in your basement and advise other small businesses on how to go green and reduce their carbon footprint. Potential clients find you on the internet and you rely on social media marketing to keep the buzz going about your services. You work with clients throughout the world via the internet and telephone.

You have wanted to expand your business presence, with minimal investment. How can you grow your company? How can you expand your market? How can you attract clients in a new area? How can you do that instantly?

A virtual office by VH International Business Solutions just may be the ideal solution for you and your firm! Virtually overnight, you can go from a local based home business in Seattle to having a business presence in another major metropolitan area instantly, such as: New York! Your company now has 2 locations! Imagine how impressive a Manhattan office address would look on your website and business cards – alongside your Seattle address!

Your clients can send payments, orders, contracts, and correspondence to your New York virtual office – we’ll keep your mail safe and secure and send it to you in Seattle in accordance with your predetermined forwarding schedule.

Need local Manhattan phone and fax service to complete your New York business presence? No problem! We can get them setup for you in a few hours. You can have a live operator answer your calls, a machine answer your calls (voice mail) or, we can even transfer your New York phone calls directly to you in Seattle. You can receive faxes sent to your New York fax number right in your email inbox.

When the time comes that you need to visit NYC to meet with a client or vendor, you can rent office space to meet with clients on an as-needed basis. You can even have your lunch or breakfast meeting catered in the office.

Need a local hotel or restaurant recommendation? We can help you with ideas! Our knowledgeable staff is at your service. Our prime neighborhood is chock-full of first class hotels, chain hotels, and wonderful boutique hotels. Our neighborhood’s Michelin Stars sparkle amongst restaurants boasting top chefs, television chefs, and world renown chefs.

If a client drops by unexpectedly to see you, they will enter into a well-appointed office and be received by a friendly receptionist who will inform your guest that you are out on appointments, and take a message on your behalf. This message will be immediately sent to you so you may contact the guest who visited your New York virtual office.

See how easy it is to open an office?… Keep doing what you are doing in Seattle and we at VH International Business Solutions will manage your New York virtual office and business presence for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/can-my-green-consulting-firm-benefit-from-a-virtual-office-1709529.html

About the Author

VH International Business Solutions, Inc. Since 1990. Offering unbeatable service to individuals, small and mid sized local companies; as well as larger domestic and international firms seeking to establish a presence in the U.S., and particularly in the New York market. As the pioneer of offering Virtual Office services online in New York City, we are the leader and have the most expertise of working with local and global businesses when entering the New York marketplace. While others emphasize services, we emphasize service. Manhattan Virtual Office How can VH International Business Solutions help you?
Tel: 1.212.627.8900 Fax: 1.646.861.6610 Since 1990.

The Advantages Of Hybrid Car

Author: Wolfgang Jaegel

Hybrid cars are becoming quite popular lately owing to skyrocketing gasoline prices. They are extremely fuel efficient as they combine two sources of energy. Owning a hybrid vehicle has a number of advantages. They are a great relief for car owners who are worried about the ever increasing gasoline prices. Hybrid vehicles offer lesser fuel consumption and greater environmental friendliness.

Hybrid cars work on both gasoline and electric power. The battery need not be charged manually as it works on the principle of rechargeable energy storage system, which is an onboard system that charges the battery while driving. The fuel efficiency of these types of car is excellent owing to the combined source of energy. The primary source of power is the electricity generated by the battery and the second energy source is a conventional combustion engine that runs on gasoline. These two sources of energy work complementary to each other providing the hybrid vehicle excellent fuel efficiency.

As hybrid cars are fairly new introductions, their immediate impact on the environment cannot be judged in the short term. The dual energy source of hybrid vehicles is highly environment friendly. They emit significantly less smog pollutants into the air, compared to gasoline-operated cars. The amount of pollutants and harmful emissions is half when compared to traditional automobiles.

As hybrid vehicles run on both fuel and battery-powered engines, they consume less fuel and spare the owner the pain of falling prey to price pressures in the world oil market.
Regarding the savings on using hybrid cars, it is estimated that they can attain over 60 miles per gallon. This will greatly reduce your expense on refueling and your frequent trips to the service station.

The cost of purchasing a hybrid car is higher than that of buying normal models. But when you consider the overall expense of buying a car, a hybrid car will prove to be more economical. Moreover, the price of a car depends on the make, year and model. A special program introduced by the IRS allows hybrid vehicle owners to apply for a tax break. Your local tax preparation office or local car dealer who sells hybrid vehicles can tell you more about this special tax benefit.

If you are planning to purchase a hybrid car, first research on various car models that suit your purchase budget. A local car dealer or online car agent can help you by providing necessary information on available models within your price range. They can also provide you information on various tax benefits in purchasing one. It is advisable that you consider all aspects including tax benefits and interest rates before making a decision.

Since hybrid cars use both electric power and fuel power, each can function independently or in conjunction with each other. The electric power is generated by batteries made from nickel-metal-hydride. These light weight batteries have the ability to store electric power and they can be recharged frequently. The combustion engine used in a hybrid car is smaller and lighter in weight than a normal car engine.

The efficiency of the combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle is maximized because the motor is built based on the average power needed by the hybrid electric car. In contrast, in a conventional car, the size of the combustion engine depends upon the specifications required for the highest level of power demanded.

Most makes of these cars have a compact and lightweight body, enabling easy maneuver on the road. Most models, particularly those made by American and European car makers, come with stylish designs and a sleek look. As they are electrically operated they can run consistently at any motor speed. By contrast, traditional gas-powered engines tend to produce less power at reduced speeds.

One of the advantages of buying a hybrid car is that, you may be able to secure a comparatively lower interest loan on the purchase. Many credit unions and other lending institutions offer lower interest rates to consumers who purchase a hybrid vehicle. Also a hybrid car owner enjoys many tax benefits.

The US government is supporting the hybrid car industry wholeheartedly. It welcomes more hybrid models into the country and encourages American car manufacturers such as General Motors and Ford to make more hybrid vehicles.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/the-advantages-of-hybrid-car-362047.html

About the Author

As one of the world’s most exciting and prestigious brand, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong offers luxury passenger cars and commercial vehicles extensive choice of Vito, Sprinter, Viano, Actros, Axor and Atego to the customers in Hong Kong and Macau.

The Reasons Why Buying A Used Hybrid Vehicles Can Be Easier Than Expected

Author: Holly Stevens

Hybrid cars are fast becoming a trend these days with many more people looking at buying used hybrid vehicles. For quite a while many car manufactures have been developing and distributing the hybrid vehicle in the market and due to it’s popularity has enjoyed a quick growth rate by producing impressive sales figures. This is in no way surprising on the people are keen observers in the industry who believe the marketing and production of hybrid car was long overdue.

It seems that weekly there appears to be hikes in the price of gasoline and oil which is making consumers and car users more interested in ways of cutting back on such expenditures. Many have now already began replacing their current car models buying a new buy or used hybrid vehicles. The main function of a hybrid automobile is to lessen the consumer dependence on fuel which helps them to be unaffected by the constant gasoline price hikes.

The benefit that hybrid cars play on the environment is also an important point that helps in creating bigger interest in the buyers eyes when they choose to purchase a secondhand hybrid vehicle.

Many years ago no one ever assumed that the car industry would reach the level of success that it is now currently enjoying. People just dreamt of cars that would dramatically reduce their gas and oil expenditure. Present day such dreams have become a reality with the birth of the hybrid vehicle which are making a big dent in the car market niche which has always been dominated by conventional cars.

Though hybrid cars come at a much higher price tag, if you cover many miles in your car the long term benefits will easily outweigh the short term losses.

Hybrid motorcars are now sold in many car dealerships around the world and appear in showrooms along with the traditional car. Many manufacturing firms have been more than happy to take the compliments that have been heaped upon them in creating more environmental friendly and cost saving cars.

The rates when buying used hybrid vehicles are dramatically different. Prices for new hybrid cars are higher compared to prices of the conventional gas powered counterparts. This is mainly due to the costs in producing the hybrid. The technology that was used in the development and assembly are much higher and many experts believe that it will be a while before hybrids prices drop.

Not to worry though as there are secondhand hybrid vehicles that are on the market currently. For consumers who desire a hybrid can now contact a car dealer in helping them to find a used hybrid car that is ready for purchasing.

There are a number of way to buy a used hybrid automobile, one of which is find car dealer. Such people will be able to assist you great in you search for your purchase of used hybrid vehicle. Buying one is still not that easy because in many people eyes they are still very unfamiliar.

Used hybrid vehicles vs new hybrid cars

In the end, it really doesn’t matter if you would be buying new or used hybrid cars. Remember, new hybrids are definitely much more expensive compared to the used hybrid car prices. Since they all carry the same features anyway, whether you’re getting a new or used hybrid vehicle won’t make much of an impact. Just make sure you’ve checked that everything works in top condition before you sign anything.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/the-reasons-why-buying-a-used-hybrid-vehicles-can-be-easier-than-expected-79153.html

About the Author
Get your hands on a stunning report which helps in revealing the positives and negatives to owning a hybrid car. Get this report for free by visiting electric and hybrid automobiles. To read more about the newest hybrids visit 2007 hybrid cars

Sustainable Building Environment Friendly Dwelling!

Author: Sadhana Dhanyal

Sustainable building is a concept which is fast catching up with urban dwellers. The concepts involved in sustainable building or construction primarily reflect the principals of sustainable development i.e. environmental protection, economic development, and social development, in design, building, maintenance and occupation of buildings. These buildings are designed and constructed keeping in mind the environmental standards.

Sustainable buildings will help minimise energy requirements and help reduce water consumption, use materials which are of low environmental impact e.g. low embodied energy and resource efficient, reduce wastage, conserve and enhance the natural environment and safeguard human health and well-being too.

While constructing a green home building, you must keep in mind certain factors:

Environmental factors: It is advisable to give due consideration to conservation and enhancement of the site ecology or biodiversity.

Look into how much energy is consumed: If suitable measures are taken to minimise energy consumption, high levels of insulation are adopted, it can help minimise energy consumption. Maximising daylight and using energy efficient lighting and appliances can also help achieve the goals.

Transportation facilities: If the site of construction is nearby, it can help minimise the expenses. One should give due consideration to transport routes, proximity to amenities and places of work, space for home working also.
Water consumption: The quantity of water consumed, reusing rainwater, water efficient appliances, minimising and attenuating surface water run-off to prevent flooding and pollution can all help save water.

Affordability: If it is proving very expensive, the cost of ownership can be minimised.

This can also help curb down the degradation of the environment to a large extent. The choices made now will influence the quality of life of the next generation. This can also enhance the look of the house. Sustainable building is not only eco friendly but also less expensive. Usage of natural, non-industrial materials, will also improve the energy equation when building.

Following certain green home building guidelines can help construct an environment friendly building. Apart from houses, architecture and design firms, construction and development, hospitality, and other service providers too have incorporated these guidelines. Such buildings are environment friendly. As compared to commercial sector, the residential sector has lagged behind. 

Going in for such houses will help save a substantial amount of money too. Since, the products used for construction of houses are natural, they will be less expensive. You can make your contribution by opting for eco friendly houses. Looking online for information on construction of such houses can help get the required details about green home building. One can get all the required information about sustainable architecture and natural building.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/sustainable-building-environment-friendly-dwelling-781934.html

About the Author

Sadhna D, Expert author, Platinum status. Green building advice and tips: Green Home Building Guidelines

Free guide or assistance on Eco Homes: Eco Homes for Sale

Author: Thomas Ajava

Plug-in hybrids are all the rage in a certain segment of the auto industry. The excitement comes from the simple idea that plugging in a car to power it would obviously go a long way in reducing our reliance on foreign oil. That being said, the plug-in hybrid vehicle is a controversial idea.

The modern hybrid car has become a massively popular choice in the consumer world. The car is touted and popular for two reasons – it gets much better mileage than internal combustion engine only cars and the pollutants produced are also significantly less. If a car that runs partially on an electric motor is good, one that runs primarily on a charge would be much be better, right? Well, that’s what some people think and the plug-in hybrid is the result.

The idea behind the plug-in hybrid is to be able to get a charge from your home, work or power station by literally plugging into an outlet. The idea has been around forever, but momentum started building when people started converting their hybrids to plug-in approaches on their own. Seeing a trend, Honda, Toyota and the like have started moving in this direction as well.

The obvious question is whether a plug-in hybrid is a good thing? At first glance, it seems so. The car requires little gasoline to the extent that it is expected to get over 100 miles per gallon. The use of the electric motor to propel the car also dramatically eliminates pollutants and greenhouse gases. So, it is all good, right? Not really.

A closer look at the plug-in hybrid offers some troubling issues. The key is to consider where the electricity is coming from. The vast majority of energy in the electric grid of the United States is produced by coal powered plants. While going plug-in reduces our need for foreign oil, we are simply replacing one fossil fuel with another.

There is the secondary issue of the nature of the grid itself. The electrical grid in the United States is in bad shape. The stimulus packaged passed in early 2009 contains money to work on it, but not nearly enough to do everything required. Adding strain to the grid makes little sense at this point as there is no indication it can service it. While plug-ins represent a small drain, it is still a drain!

Plug-in hybrids sound like a great thing at first glance, but a closer look reveals there are some definite questions that need to be contemplated. If you are solely looking for superior fuel mileage, they make sense. If you are hoping to cut down your carbon footprint, they simply don’t.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/the-controversy-with-plugin-hybrid-vehicles-1475506.html

About the Author

Thomas Ajava writes for HybridCarDealerDepot.com – where you can find a hybrid car dealer near you.

Green Home Checklist

Author: Sonia

     Purchasing a house could sometimes get stressful and confusing, especially if you are trying to look for a green home. Obviously, these days there is a great market for green or eco-friendly homes with various styles to choose from. Below is a checklist for that dream, green home.

1. The first step for you to do is to get a good help. With today’s increasing eco-awareness and prices of energy soaring up, more people are worried about things like the indoor air quality and energy efficient homes. When screening potential realtors, be sure to find out how much they know about eco-friendly homes and other environment related issues that matter to you. If you need help in finding a green home realtor, there are several online sites such as the Modern Green Living and other green residential websites.
 

2. You can perform a search for a green home on your own. You can determine by looking around. Try to examine the heating and cooling systems of a home and make sure that they are suitably sized and are in good working condition. Check out if the windows are single or double paned and check the doors if you feel a draft coming around their edges. Take note on inadequate or missing insulation or signs of molds. To have better information, you can hire a professional to perform an energy audit. These professionals use tools like infrared cameras for heat loss and special fans to pressurize a home to find out if it is energy efficient. This helps to determine if your prospective home needs any expensive efficiency upgrades.

3. Choose your location thoroughly. While the countryside is more your taste, it is necessary to consider the distance in commuting, local facilities nearby and what are your means of getting around. Find a place where all your daily needs are available within a half-mile radius from your home. You can search online through Walk Score to locate restaurants, parks, groceries and other business and amenities within walking distance from your potential home.
     

4. The space is another environmental factor to be considered. A smaller space means lesser energy needed to heat and light it. The less spent on utilities could mean extra money to spend on things you enjoy. With careful and thoughtful interior design, you can create a beautiful living environment from surprisingly smaller spaces.

5. You can do home improvements by your own. Try adding fresh coat of paints with low VOC to help improve the air quality. Look over pipes and paints to get a better idea of the changes you want for a greener and healthier home.

     Most important of all is to ask before you buy a home. Although not every single home possess all of the ecological features listed, at least you will get a transparent picture of what the prospective home has to offer. Go ahead and look for that green home, this home is definitely healthy to the environment and beneficial to homeowners.     

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