Carbon Footprint and Getting Green

One of the subjects taught during my undergraduate studies is environmental engineering. One of the lessons I learned is that resources is important to keep a manufacturing running. It is actually a common sense. You preserve the environment because you are not living for just for today; there is the future to consider.

The first thing that came to mind since getting green became one of the things I want to include in my daily existence is the so-talked about carbon footprint. I have searched the net to understand it. Technically, I found the meaning of carbon footprint. In fact, I was able to read some articles that subjected some known celebrities who are great contributors of carbon and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to ridicule. It was a surprise that mere transportation in the air (airplane) contributes to the greenhouse gases that eventually results to climate change. I wonder if they were told why they were on the top contributors before they were accused. I tried to read more and finally came across the Kyoto Protocol. I was able to read few pages but I definitely have to stop. My search for a greener environment is not just reading articles and knowing the technical aspects. I am looking for something that will have tangible results. But for those who are interested to be educated on the protocols and other technical know how on carbon footprint, click here.

I, however, prefers to go and find something that will have more tangible product or process. So my current reading project (despite the reading materials assigned in school) is focused on the EPA website. One of the thing that interested me most is the Energy Star.




I know that it somehow helps in the environment but never occurred to me how big is the contribution. A blog is dedicated for this, and you can find there good topics that can help in your budget as well. It's not just doing the right thing, the website also provide information on energy conservation (that somehow can a gain in the budget) as well.

Pause. For Awhile.

Forgive me for writing personal stuff once in awhile. And this is one of those "personal stuff" that pops up every now and then.

It caught me off guard. I was too self-absorbed I did not notice.

Pardon me for overstaying your kindness. And for making you feel manipulated. And also for pushing you to the wall. I am at fault. It's not my upbringing or past experiences. I have been busy pursuing goals and killing enemies that I forgot to be a friend. Its always been "me". Me, that matters. Me that should be the priority. "Me", for everything that surrounds me.

Of course I care. Always cared about you. I just don't show it.

Don't worry, I'll get out of your way for now. It seems that I have been ruining most of your days.

Flying and Solar Power

I am not done with the declutter activities on this blog but it does not mean that updates stops from coming in. Here is another promising innovation that will somehow help the environment and the economy into moving towards a clean. alternative source of energy: a sun powered plane.

According to a msnbc report, the prototype was unveiled by an adventurer Bertrand Piccard. The plane weighs less than a car but have a wingspan of a Boeing 747.

Sounds good, huh? We have to wait for another two years for its big take off. The 70 million euro prototype will undergo series of test before the big take off. The prototype is too small that a series of flights is scheduled to allow pilots to rest and stretch.

Based on the report, i think they need to improve on the utilization of the sunshine since the solar panels installed on the planes works only when the sun is visible. It will not be usable (the solar power) if it is raining and during night time.

Not bad for a start. I can't wait to see how will this particular innovation make life easier and more comfortable to live, technology and fuel-wise. Below is a photo from msnbc showing the plane named "Solar Impulse"