Learn to face difficulty

Learn to face difficulty

Word Count:
603

Summary:
Be more daring when you face difficulty and who knows what you may achieve

Keywords:
inspiration, motivation, success, dream, fire, difficulty, challenge, dare

Article Body:
"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."
-- Seneca the Younger

This is a great quote to both contemplate and to apply to your life.

How often do you hear people complain? Pick a topic-love, friendship, careers, etc. The list of issues that people complain about is endless. You and I are no different. Perhaps we don't complain about each of these things but more than likely there is something that we complain about with great regularity.

Now, sometimes complaints are simply a way to vent some frustration at the moment but we don't really want anything to change in this area. However, more often than not, someone regularly complains about one specific problem

If I had a dollar for every time I heard one friend complain about the difficulty of finding a good man I could throw her a huge wedding bash or perhaps simply buy her a husband in some small third-world country. When I thought about my friend Donna's problem and applied Seneca's quote to it a light bulb suddenly appeared above my head just like in the cartoons!

It was true! Donna is having difficulty finding a good man simply because she isn't daring enough. Sure she goes out on dates and tries to maintain an active social life, however she holds herself aloof emotionally. She isn't willing to dare much at all when it comes to her heart-so how can she hope that someone else will do so for her? Sure, there might be someone, somewhere, but she is also missing out on relationships, at least friendships, with some really great guys simply because she is too afraid to dare to care.

That is sad. We all know that love is marvelous but it is also frightening, however we have to take risks in order to experience it fully. Sometimes we might get hurt however more often than not we will find the rewards outweigh the risks. There is no guarantee that is Donna opens herself up and dares to love that she will find the love of her life-however there is certainly a guarantee that a life filled with love is more rewarding than one that is not.

I have another friend who is also afraid to dare. Jeff hates his job. No, that's not exactly right. He loves the work itself but he really hates the company that he works for. He finds the management very difficult to work for (and if even a small percentage of the stories he tells are true then he's right, it is a horrible place to work).

However, every time I suggest he look for a job somewhere else he comes up with some excuse about how difficult it would be. True the job market isn't great, but he's a skilled worker in a high-demand field so I'm sure he could find something. He's doomed his job search before he even started it because he's not daring enough.

It wouldn't be fair to share my friends' examples without pointing to my own shortcomings.  Probably the greatest difficulty in my own life is within my marriage and that is simply because I don't dare enough emotionally there. I have become too complaisant and take my husband and marriage for granted. I need to dare more emotionally.

So think about the difficulties in your own life and apply Seneca's rule then decide if you can be more daring!  All the best!

 

In search of Confidence

In search of Confidence

Word Count:
481

Summary:
What is the big deal with confidence. Why do some people have so much and others are struggling just to get their name out wondering why they missed out or something. Well we're all living in this box, and until we realize that we're not and then here we are... "obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals"

Is it possible to teach confidence? Well, yes. Anything is possible!

Keywords:
chicken, chicken recipe, chicken pox, chicken fight, kentucky fried chicken, chicken little, fried chicken recipe, fried chicken, robot chicken, chicken salad recipe, chicken breast recipe

Article Body:
What is the big deal with confidence. Why do some people have so much and others are struggling just to get their name out wondering why they missed out or something. Well we're all living in this box, and until we realize that we're not and then here we are... "obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals"

Is it possible to teach confidence? Well, yes. Anything is possible!

Take drinking for example. Drinking is of course  a way of releaving stress but really in turn most of the time creates more...much more...? who would tend to agreee with me?  Like you had a long week or exams or life just isn't getting you places or your life is too hard and seems like there is no way out or how about Asia. Everybody is just so damn busy and has no time for families or friends so when they do get the chance they want to drink it away. Then once the drinking begins. The talk starts of changing lives and big hopes and money and next minute. Heads are huge if they weren't already before.

Guess what you wake up no closer to your dreams but have a nasty head ache and are probaby tired or else have wasted half of your day sleeping!Confidence you gain when your drinking isn't really yours. If you get layed or get a hot date well don't thank yourself but rather the poison sitting next to you or in your stomach. When the poison wears off you are still the same chicken that you were the night before. How long will this go on for?

So if you don't get your confidence from drinking where does it come from then?  well 1st of all lets clear our heads and think straight here. hope you didn't drink last night! Well everybody has to discover their own confidence and some people may discover theirs quicker and some people may never quite find all of it. well just listen to your heart and block out the stuff that isn't bringing you in the right direction

I've grown up with my fair shair of love but know people who haven't and all I can say is that I belive in you even if you don't yet! Have you seen the "Conte of Monte Cristo"? Well God belives in you as well even if you don't believe or have faith in him! Change can be hard but the hardest thing I thing would be too look back on a life of regret or chances that we didn't take:

"The only real regrets we'll have when its all said and done is the chances that we didn't take"

"We'll never truly know what were capable of until we go to far" or "dreams are the limits of our success"

Never give up. It's never to late for anything!!!

 

Sharp Solar – Solar Energy Manufacturer

Sharp Solar – Solar Energy Manufacturer

Word Count:
457

Summary:
As the world looks to alternative fuel sources to save the environment and money, solar energy has come to the forefront. Sharp solar is known as one of the leading manufacturers.

Keywords:
solar, solar energy, solar power, sharp, products, fuel, energy, heating, environmentsolar, sun, thermal, mass, brick, concrete, passive, home, house, homes, houses, tile, heating, heat

Article Body:
As the world looks to alternative fuel sources to save the environment and money, solar energy has come to the forefront. Sharp solar is known as one of the leading manufacturers.

Sharp Solar – Solar Energy Manufacturer

Solar energy has become increasingly important in today's world. With fuel prices skyrocketing and other forms of home energy being impractical, solar energy is the Earth's best solution to powering our lives. Solar products are a great way to collect energy from the sun and harness its power to run our households.

Sharp solar products are a great choice in the solar market place. Sharp is the number one manufacturer of solar cells, manufacturing more than its three nearest competitors combined. Sharp solar products are a convenient, safe and economical way to absorb solar energy and convert it into a usable form for household use. Sharp has led the solar industry for over 45 years now, and they have installed solar product systems everywhere from houses to office buildings to even on satellites.

There are four basic parts to the Sharp solar energy production system. The solar modules collect the sun's rays in their solar cells and convert it into usable energy. The inverter converts the electrical current that s created from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current), which is the type of electricity used in homes. The Sharp monitor allows you to see how your system is doing in terms of output and performance. The final part of the system, the electric meter, shows you how much power you are using.

In 2003, Sharp introduced their residential solar systems for use in the United States. These systems, used throughout the world before coming to the US, have allowed Sharp to be named the number one solar cell producer in the world every year since 2000. Sharp solar products are now also being produced in a "clean" factory in Memphis, Tennessee, which represents an investment on the part of Sharp into the future of solar power.

Sharp offers their solar power systems for sale through their own Sharp Solar department, or through an independent Sharp Solar Certified Installer. The installers are able to come to your home and help you decide on your own solar energy needs. They then they can quote you a price on the amount of work and materials needed to make your house a solar powered one.

Whether you want to cut down on your energy costs or cut down on damage to the environment, Sharp solar products are a great way to achieve your goals. Solar products are cost effective and, once installed, easy to use and maintain. Solar energy is a great way to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and other Earth-harming energy sources.

 

Sea Turtles In North Cyprus

Sea Turtles In North Cyprus

Word Count:
573

Summary:
For about one hundred million years, our waters have been visited by the green (Chelonia mydas) and the logger-head (Caretta caretta) turtles. The green turtle only nests in Cyprus, south-east Turkey and sometimes in Israel.

Keywords:
north cyprus, cyprus, turtle, sea turtle, caretta caretta

Article Body:
These fascinating creatures come ashore on the deserted beaches of North Cyprus between May and August to nest and Alagadi Beach is classified as a special protected area.

While on your trip in Northern Cyprus, you may be intrigued to know that this is home to some of the most significant turtle housing beaches in the Mediterranean. The two species that live and nest in Northern Cyprus are endangered species. Just about 10% of the loggerhead and 30% of the green turtles in the Mediterranean nest in Northern Cyprus. Bearing in mind that as little as 300-400 green and 2000 loggerhead turtles are likely to live each year in the complete Mediterranean, it is critical that people do all they can to help and protect these near endangered species.

These North Cyprus Marine turtles start their lives on land, where they come out to emerge from eggs, just after 45-60 days of incubation on land and in the sand. When these turtles hatch and emerge they then begin to make the attempt to reach the sea, they swim anxiously out to sea waters where they stay put for the remaining years of their lives, the only break in this would be when a adult female will come to shore and lay her eggs.

It is projected that only one single hatchling out from two thousand will make it and survive to full adult life and maturity. As soon as they are 25-30 years old, and reach 1-2 meters in length, the adult females and males with set out and migrate to waters off nesting beaches to eat and reproduce. For the duration of a nesting season a female lays 3-4 nests, each carrying just about 100 eggs. she will nest every 1-3 years and will always return to the exact same beaches. There is no exact number on how long these marine turtles live but they have been suggested to live up to 160 years old.

They are two species of marine turtles that find themselves nesting in the North Cyprus Mediterranean and they would be the loggerhead, caretta caretta and the green turtle (chelonia mydas) the grand total number of both of these turtles has said to be a estimated 300-400 for the green and 2000 for the logghead females that nest each and every single year. Both of these species of sea turtles are endangered , more so with the green turtles. It has said to be that North Cyprus and Turkey seem to be the only nesting grounds these turtles come to love. There is over 80 beaches along North Cyprus that between may and October and monitored closely for the precious turtle activity.

While on your stay in North Cyprus and wish to see these lovely creatures you may indulge in a boating experience of the shore and see these turtles swimming, and with many places to see at night you might catch a glimpse of these night nesting turtles.

Group of Ecologists and students have been observing and helping to protect these rare animals from extinction for a number of years.

Some general information for you to keep on hand:
Mating time for these turtles is May/June
Hatching time is Aug/Sep
Nesting time is June/July

I hope that by through this article you can take away some general information on sea turtles in North Cyprus. If ever in the area on vacation or stay pay a visit to these wonderful beautiful creatures.

Visitors are welcome to observe this exciting experience!!!

 

Scotland’s castles and estates face funding challenge

Scotland's castles and estates face funding challenge

Word Count:
624

Summary:
After centuries of being an agriculturally based economy, the more rural parts of Scotland are having to come to terms with huge changes in the global economy.

Keywords:
scotland

Article Body:
After centuries of being an agriculturally based economy, the more rural parts of Scotland are having to come to terms with huge changes in the global economy. Many estates and castles that dominate them, traditionally were supported by a mixture of agriculture, forestry, sporting rights and a huge annual grant from the European Union. All these sources of income have come under attack and in some cases have disappeared. Agriculture is extremely volatile and does not produce the income it did, forestry is depressed, grants are being phased out and there is a glut of shooting and fishing available. This has all hit the rural economy over the last decade or so.

Combine this with a huge increase in equipment costs and maintaining old buildings, along with a certain amount of wear & tear that our harsh climate produces and you have a challenging situation facing the owners of Scotland's old ancestral homes. Unless they have other income streams independent of the estate, they are facing a grim future. Many owners do indeed now work in other industries and channel those resources into maintaining their properties. Most do a combination of traditional farming and sporting activities, combined now with private lets and other commercial activities. These could include offering castles for rent, marketing the property as a venue for film shoots, weddings, concerts and corporate events.

Fortunately many are located close to wonderful golf courses, so make perfect venues for golfing parties, whilst others allow easy access from major cities so can welcome corporate groups to dine or to hold special events. More rural properties tend to specialise more in the sporting market, although Ackergill Tower, which is located near Wick, is the premier country house operation in Britain and you don't get much more rural that Caithness. They manage this by offering amazing service, huge amounts of Highland charm and wonderful facilities. Other properties have followed their lead and many now enjoy high occupancy levels.

There are now properties available to suit all incomes and preferences and it has been the saving of many of our fine old homes. The improvements and re-investment that many have made over the last decade is astonishing and the market for private rentals is now very sophisticated, with many properties offering hotel level facilities (swimming pools, tennis courts, spa treatments, broadband internet access, fancy chefs and premier cru wines). The interiors of many have been totally refurbished and additional bathrooms, new kitchens, media rooms etc have been added.

It should be noted that ownership of many of these homes has changed hands over the last decade or so and many that were the old family homes of prominent Scottish families are now owned by admirers of Scotland from all over the world. It is their enthusiasm, energy and most importantly resources that have brought back many properties from the brink of ruin. They have also be sensible to look to the future and many realised early on that only by diversifying into new areas like private rentals and corporate events could they recoup some of their upkeep costs. Indeed many of the homes run at a deficit of around £100,000 a year and this is where new income sources come in handy for their survival.

Of course as Scotland prospers and there is more and more building going on, along with wind farms, electrical masts and other light industry and office developments, many estates have found yet more ways of bringing in much needed funds. However most still use a combination of all or some of the above and many now welcome guests to take over their homes for a family celebration or other event and to live like a laird, without the hassle of actual ownership!

 

Saving the Planet and Looking Good Doing it

Saving the Planet and Looking Good Doing it

Word Count:
475

Summary:
This article tells the reader available products to help conserve the planet while looking stylish.

Keywords:
global warming, conservation, eco friendly, greenhouse gas

Article Body:
The world is in a sorry state due to greenhouse gas emissions. You know to recycle, reduce and reuse, but a girl can't go around looking like a tree-hugging hippie; you must look chic at all times. And that includes every aspect of your green-living life, from the way you decorate your home to the way you accessorize your person. Remember, going green doesn't mean you must abandon your sense of style or forfeit all things luxury.

Check out labels like Ecoist, which makes really cute purses and accessories out of repurposed paper and donates part of sales to environmental groups. Not only do they plant a tree when you buy a handbag, but they also have a line of specialty bracelets to help spread the word about global warming, which even come in kid sizes, so you can educate and decorate.

Ecologically sound clothing isn't limited to hemp anymore either. A lot of designers are taking an interest in organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals that not only cause health problems for handlers, but also air and water pollution. Other materials are also gaining poplar use, like soy and paper as well as luxurious silk for the diva in you. Check out Shop Regeneration, who also carries eco-friendly housewares and furnishings. While you browse the site, don't forget about picking something up for the kids, the man in your life or your favorite four-legged friend. And you don't have to feel guilty about shopping, because part of your purchase will go to help environmental organizations.

If your apartment or house is in need of a redecorating, check out furniture that is new to you, rather than fresh off the truck, like at antique stores and thrift shops. If you want to go new, make sure it's made of sustainable materials, which minimize the impact of global warming during production. Earth Friendly Goods carries products and furniture made from sustainable and/or biodegradable materials, like bamboo, hemp, soy and other resources. This site is useful because it goes beyond furniture into household goods, products and the somewhat hard to find vegan-friendly shoes. And what girl can resist shoes?
Beautify your body with Nature Girl products, made from fresh organically grown products on small farms that use alternative pest control methods to prevent harmful chemicals from being released into the air.

Nature Girl donates a part of their profits to groups who work to save the planet. Not only will you help to eliminate the harmful toxins from being released into the atmosphere, you'll be protecting yourself from coming in contact with them too, so your skin really will be as healthy as it looks!

It's hard work to save the planet, but it sure is fun to try, especially when that means you get to do what you do best which is shop.

 

Saving Sea Turtles From Extinction: Turtle Friendly Outdoor Lighting Solutions

Saving Sea Turtles From Extinction: Turtle Friendly Outdoor Lighting Solutions

Word Count:
389

Summary:
Improper outdoor lighting is one of the greatest issues affecting sea turtles - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Let's face it... light pollution and sea turtles just don't go together. Many species are on the verge of extinction... and improper outdoor lighting is a major cause. Not quite sure how this can be? Let's look into this a little further...

Female turtles return to the same area to nest each year. If they return and find bright outdoor lighti...

Keywords:
outdoor lighting, turtle friendly lighting

Article Body:
Improper outdoor lighting is one of the greatest issues affecting sea turtles - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Let's face it... light pollution and sea turtles just don't go together. Many species are on the verge of extinction... and improper outdoor lighting is a major cause. Not quite sure how this can be? Let's look into this a little further...

Female turtles return to the same area to nest each year. If they return and find bright outdoor lighting, one of two things happens.

1) The female will simply swim on by... essentially removing herself from the breeding population.

2) She lays her eggs, and then several weeks later the hatchlings emerge under cover of darkness and begin their journey to the sea. They've evolved through millions of years to seek out the brightest horizon. This is generally the ocean... with crashing surf and moon and star light reflecting on the water. Unfortunately, if bright lights were installed along with some recent development, the hatchlings emerge and crawl towards the bright lights... and away from the ocean and a chance at survival. These then get run over by cars as they cross streets, wander till exhausted and are eaten by predators or simply roast in their own shells in the heat of the sun. In excess of 80% of hatchlings can die on light polluted beaches.

Many communities have enacted outdoor lighting regulations designed to come to the aid of declining sea turtle populations. These generally require the use of full cutoff fixtures. Full cutoff fixtures simply control the output of light... forcing it down towards the ground where its needed... and preventing it from shining up into the night sky... or horizontally when it can cross property lines... and illuminate turtle nesting beaches.

Starry Night Lights has a greatly expanded selection of turtle friendly outdoor lighting solutions. Working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, they've combined the largest selection of full cutoff outdoor lights with "monochromatic" turtle safe lights to offer a number of solutions to communities that border sea turtle nesting areas. They offer bollards, wall packs and pole mounted solutions for businesses and municipalities as well as a huge selection of fixtures for homeowners and condo associations. The combination of full cutoff fixtures and monochromatic lights has been found to be least disruptive to sea turtle hatchlings.

 

Save Energy, Money And The Planet Every Day. Simple Steps Make A Difference

Save Energy, Money And The Planet Every Day. Simple Steps Make A Difference

Word Count:
276

Summary:
At a time of record-high energy prices and increased attention to global warming, nearly everyone is looking for ways to save energy, save money on utility bills, and help to protect the environment.

Keywords:
Save Energy, Money And The Planet Every Day. Simple Steps Make A Difference

Article Body:
At a time of record-high energy prices and increased attention to global warming, nearly everyone is looking for ways to save energy, save money on utility bills, and help to protect the environment.

Here are simple actions you can take this Earth Day, and all year round, recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

1. Look for products that have earned the Energy Star® for energy efficiency. Energy Star-qualified products prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency criteria. The Energy Star label comes on more than just appliances-look for the government-backed symbol on electronics, lighting, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, room and central air conditioners, and many other products.

2. Replace your five most frequently used lights, or the bulbs in them, with energy-efficient, compact fluorescent models that have earned the Energy Star. This action alone will save you $60 a year.

3. Cool your home smartly-Get your cooling system ready for summer by cleaning or replacing air filters, and having a contractor do a preseason checkup in the spring. Proper maintenance keeps your system running at peak performance and can help you save energy dollars this summer.

4. Seal up your home-Adequate insulation and home sealing can help you save on cooling bills and improve your home's overall comfort when it's hot outside.

5. Share these tips with friends and family. Help spread the word that energy efficiency is good for our homes and the environment.

Most people don't realize that the average household can be responsible for nearly twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car. These simple steps will help you save energy and money, while also contributing to a better environment for your family and community.

 

Saguaro The King of Cacti

Saguaro The King of Cacti

Word Count:
549

Summary:
There is no more famous symbol of the Arizona desert than the giant Saguaro Cactus, the 50-foot tall King of Cacti.

Keywords:
Arizona Wildlife, Saguaro National Park, Saguaro Cactus, Sonora Desert

Article Body:
The visual identity of the American southwest has certain iconic signifiers: desert plains, tumbleweeds, rusty-red rock formations and a certain towering cactus called the Saguaro. These cacti, some as tall as 50 feet and as heavy as 8 tons, are one of the greatest symbols of America's wild deserts.

The Saguaro Cactus is found only in the Sonora Desert, from sea-level to elevations of approximately 4,000 feet, and limited by freezing winter temperatures. Though their habitat is threatened by human encroachment, the Saguaro is a common cactus and is not endangered. They are a protected species in the confines of Arizona's Saguaro National Park.

Though it may eventually grow as tall as a 2 story house, the Saguaro is a very slow-developing cactus that only grows between 1 and 1 1/2 inches in the 1st 8 years of its life.

Its initial survival strategy involves finding protection under the bows of a "nurse tree".

Species of trees used by the Saguaro in this manner include the Palo Verde, the Ironwood and the Mesquite. Often, as the Saguaro grows ever-larger, the nurse tree is killed as the cactus monopolizes all the nutrients and water in the soil. The Saguaro cactus is considered and adult at 125 years old. Its life span is normally between 150 and 175 years, though some are thought to be as old as 200. The Saguaro cactus has a number of distinctive physical features. The roots of the Saguaro grow in a radial pattern, the better to absorb moisture. Pleats on the cactus' surface can expand to store enormous amounts of water, which comprise most of its bulk. Inside the cactus are a number of interconnected woody struts or ribs, numbering the same as the cactus' pleats, which provide the structural stability needed to support its great weight. When the cactus reaches approximately 35 years of age it begins to produce flowers, normally on the tips of its branches and its trunk, and continues to do so for the rest of its life. The famous arm-like branches of the Saguaro begin to appear when the cactus is between 50 and 100 years old, depending on the amount of precipitation its habitat receives. Damage or mutation sometimes causes the formation of rare fanlike crests on the top of the cactus.

The Saguaro cactus is an important source of food and shelter for a variety of Arizona wildlife. Birds as diverse as the Gila Woodpecker and the Red-tailed Hawk make their nests in these cacti (one on the inside, one on the outside). Birds, coyotes and other animals eat the Saguaro's fruit when it ripens in the late summer. The cactus' pulpy flesh is also a food-source for everything form large animals like deer and Bighorn Sheep to rodents like jackrabbits and packrats. Local peoples also use the fruit as a foodstuff.

From April to June the bats, birds and insects that feed on the nectar of the Saguaros' large, white flowers help to pollinate the cacti. When animals eat the Saguaro's fruit its roughly 2,000 little black seeds pass harmlessly and unharmed through their digestive systems to be scattered throughout the Sonora Desert in the creatures' droppings. Though only a tiny number of seeds take root, and few cacti survive to reach their gigantic potential, enough do to ensure the Saguaro's status of the American King of Cacti.

 

Rising Uk Energy Prices Compound Fuel Poverty Problems

Rising Uk Energy Prices Compound Fuel Poverty Problems

Word Count:
567

Summary:
More and more British households are spending a higher percentage of their income on energy costs.  Using the UK Government's own fuel poverty criteria and set against recent energy price rises it can be calculated that an extra two million households have become victims of fuel poverty.

Keywords:
UK Government, fuel price rises, debt ofr uk consumers, energy price increases, household income, energy watch, fuel poverty, help the aged, electrici

Article Body:
More and more British households are spending a higher percentage of their income on energy costs.  According to Tony Lodge of the Bow Group, research shows that the number of households categorised as being in fuel poverty is expected to have almost doubled in the past four years, up from 2 million to over 4 million. Then there is severe fuel poverty, which refers to spending more than 15% of total household income on fuel.

Using the UK Government's own fuel poverty criteria and set against recent energy price rises it can be calculated that an extra 2 million households have become victims of fuel poverty over this period.

Last winter, more than 25,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of cold related illnesses. This was way in excess of other European countries with more severe climates than Britain.  22% of older people living in fuel poverty have gone without gas or electricity in order to make ends meet.

After the 2005 series of energy price rises had hit British households, Energywatch said: "With no immediate end in sight to energy price rises the effect will be increased levels of debt, fuel poverty and the possibility of disconnection."

So with the latest round of gas and electricity increases, fuel poverty becomes an even more crucial problem and challenge, particularly for the elderly and low paid. It is estimated that approximately half of people in fuel poverty are of pensionable age and that considerably more than half of vulnerable households in are pensioner households.

AT GREATER RISK
Fuel poverty amongst older people is a particularly serious problem not only because they are at greater risk from the cold, but also because they are more likely to spend time within their home.  In fact, households containing people aged 65 and over spend more than 80% of their time at home, whilst this figure rises to over 90% for those aged 85 and more. 

Help the Aged estimate that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die each winter because their homes are cold.  For this reason alone, the urgency of tackling fuel poverty deserves a high priority from Government.

Indeed, the Government was officially committed to ending fuel poverty for vulnerable households by 2010.  However, it is increasingly accepted that this target will not be met and it seems highly unlikely that the Government's other target of eradicating all fuel poverty in the UK by 2016-18 also will not be achieved! 

INTRINSICALLY LINKED
Energy policy and fuel poverty are intrinsically linked.  A balanced energy policy which should include new nuclear power stations, clean coal stations alongside gas and some renewable capacity can play a key role is stabilising electricity costs. 

Through this route strategies aimed at reducing fuel poverty can function in the knowledge that a large area of fuel cost – electricity - will be far less volatile than, say, in the recent past.  Other strategies boost support for better home design and insulation to improve heat conservation while other energy efficiency measures for households are sadly lacking.

An energy policy that strives to reduce energy costs is available.  It represents a strategy which can significantly reduce fuel poverty and provide a better degree of certainty for the energy generators and customers alike. 

Meanwhile the Government risks placing Britain at the mercy of being over-dependent on gas for its electricity generation and all of the implications this represents on grounds of higher bills and the inevitable social problems that would inevitably follow.

 

Ride Share For A Cleaner and Greener Tomorrow

Ride Share For A Cleaner and Greener Tomorrow

Word Count:
280

Summary:
Rideshare or carpools are an excellent alternative to private transport and help in saving money, the environment and de congesting your cities road network. Read the article to find out how rideshare can help.

Keywords:
automotive, auto, cars, bikes, internet, website, transport, carpool, business, social, environment

Article Body:
In 100 years, we've gone from horse and buggy to over 14 million cars on Indian roads. Increased road rage and gridlock affect everyone. One of the greatest benefits of sharing the ride to work is taking the stress out of driving. Rather than beginning the day irritated from fighting traffic and searching endlessly for parking, you'll arrive ready to take on the task at hand.

There is another, more tragic cost related to automobile use: degradation of our environment. Every day, millions of vehicles pump pollutants into our atmosphere. Some of these fall to earth, fouling streams and contaminating crops. Others rise into the stratosphere, damaging the ozone layer and causing global climate warming – the greenhouse effect.
Still more of these pollutants cling close to earth, inhaled with every breath we take. Air pollution is a proven cause in several lung ailments, from asthma to emphysema.

Ridesharing reduces the impact of automobiles on our roadways and our environment very simply – by travelling in groups rather than alone, ridesharing decreases the number of vehicles on our roads. Not only this but also cost incurred on fuel would be greatly reduced.
Ridesharing will also help in reducing hassles we face due to fewer parking spaces available.

Commuters that live near each other and share a common destination form the simplest and most common "carpool" arrangement. Carpooling is an ideal cost saving arrangement, particularly for those individuals who commute long distances to and from work each day, have limited access to public transit and few transportation options available to them. There are sites on the internet like Indimoto.com which help users in getting carpool/rideshare matches in their city and locality.

 

Reuse in the Workshop

Reuse in the Workshop

Word Count:
477

Summary:
The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers… The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination.

Keywords:
Workshop, Reuse, Waste Reduction, Save money, book

Article Body:
The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers… The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination.

Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. Although not overly costly when purchased a few pieces at a time, they can add up over the years. Salvage any reusable hardware and parts from old cabinets, furniture or mechanical items before discarding. These can easily be organized and stored in plastic containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers. These are our favorite as they are recyclable, sturdy and you can easily determine the jar's contents at a glance. When buying screws and bolts avoid the small plastic packages and try to find a store that sells these items out of bulk bins. You save money and packaging too.

Strong plastic jugs from juice, milk, or detergents make excellent storage containers for tools, rags or parts in the workshop. At a section near the top of the jug remove all but a flap of plastic to attach it to a wall or post. Any rough spots can be filed off or covered with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.

Any clothing or towels too ragged to donate to a thrift store still have value. Cut the material into squares of different sizes to use as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Sewing groups would gladly accept the buttons and zippers gleaned from the clothing. Children's programs and daycare centers also use buttons for crafts.

Small household appliances that are no longer working can be salvaged for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation don't attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. Handles from pots and pans can come in handy for fashioning custom tools, or they can be used to make a storage box easy to carry. Old utensils can be bent and made into various picks and scrapers.

The workshop can become a veritable stew pot of reuse ideas. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromised by the reused items. Of course, the most important thing is the fact that you are reducing your landfill contribution by taking the matter into your own hands and making a difference!