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Can Racing be Green?

On May 19, 2013, in Automotive, by OneWorld
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It’s a valid question, and given the state of the environment and our growing concern about sustainability and Eco-friendliness, one that is more important that it has ever been.  More and more racing series’ have been looking at ways to reduce their environmental impact through instituting emissions controls, promoting hybrid racing, and running cleaner burning, modern engines.

Ever since CAFE standards have nearly solved the smog problem in Los Angeles, racing series have looked to things they can do to reduce their emissions.  Stock car racing, for example, requires that cars raced still have their emission equipment in place, meaning they still have catalytic converters, carbon canisters, and fuel return lines.  In the case of Leawood American Le Mans, the greenest racing series on the planet, officials strive to include other things, like sustainable tire compounds.

American Le Mans also includes events for bio-fuels.  Other series focus on hybrid racing.  Hybrid cars aren’t all boring like a Prius; on the contrary, names like Fisker and Tesla come to mind as high performance hybrid or electric cars that can definitely hold their own on a track.  Hybrid racing is also exciting—the thrill of a 300 horsepower V6, plus a 200 horsepower electric motor that has 100% of its torque available on tap, like on a hybrid Lexus GS, makes for impressive results.

Modern mechanical advancements also help make racing a much cleaner sport.  Carburetors and unrestricted exhausts and 7.8 liter engines may still be around in vintage racing and certain series like NASCAR, but for the most part, modern engines are much more efficient at burning fuel cleaner.  Technologies like direct injection, iridium spark plugs, and higher octane, more pure fuel mean that more of that fuel gets burned and less carbon and nitrogen are released, all while increasing power.

Green racing is, in the opinion of many, the wave of the future.  The attitude of doing more with less, more power with less fuel and less in the way of emissions means that we not only get a better, more exciting race, but one that does less damage to the environment.  Now that is something that nobody can argue against.

You can follow one of the top American LeMans teams by clicking here.

Article provided by the Scott Tucker team

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Going Green Can Be Costly

On May 16, 2013, in Eco Friendly, by OneWorld
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For years the media has touted the benefits of “Going Green” in terms of conserving resources, reducing pollution and saving money.  What hasn’t been discussed are the hidden costs of investing in hybrid cars and home improvements like solar panels and green appliances.

Hybrid Cars

Between 2005 and 2009 hybrid cars doubled in market share in the US. Saving money on gas was a tangible benefit visible every time drivers checked their monthly bank balance.  As gas prices continue to rise, more and more drivers are buying hybrids. More hybrid drivers means more tickets and more crashes.  The result is that insurance rates for hybrid drivers are skyrocketing.  Some estimates suggest that these rates will go up 20% or more in less than a year — and continue to climb. Only part of that rise is due to more bad drivers owning hybrids.

Replacement parts for hybrids are more expensive, which means that after a collision, insurance companies generally have to pay out $180-$200 more to repair a hybrid than a non-hybrid. Overall, there is a 6.5% difference in repair costs and that applies to general repairs and maintenance of a hybrid, not just accident-related repairs. Most mechanics aren’t familiar with hybrid cars, leaving drivers to take their vehicles back to the dealership for repairs, which leads to higher labor costs. It can also take weeks or months longer to find replacement parts which can leave drivers having to pay for alternative transportation while waiting for their vehicle to be road worthy.

Greening the Home

In 2009 homeowners spent $49 billion remodeling their homes with energy-related improvements.  That was a 29% increase since 2003. Ideally, investing $18,000 to 24,000 in solar panel installation is supposed to make payments to the local electric company disappear and the savings in electric bills should repay the initial investment in about six years.  However, some utilities require an annual fee to stay connected to their grid and maintenance and repair costs associated with the system can add $5,000 or more to the cost of the system.  New estimates suggest that it will take 10-13 years for such systems to pay for themselves.

In fact, any energy-saving system or appliance is going to require specialized cleaning, replacement parts and upgrades.  Because these items are still considered niche products, local DIY stores do not necessarily carry replacement parts or cleaners, especially for those who live in smaller communities or rural areas.  As with hybrid cars, it can be difficult to find repair mechanics trained in these systems, which can increase both the costs of repairs and the time it takes to locate a qualified professional to do the repair.

The one benefit of energy-efficient upgrades has a hidden downside.  Green renovations can raise the value of a home by a significant amount, which is good when it comes time to sell the property.  In the interim, however, homeowners are looking at higher property taxes and insurance rates to cover that increased valuation.

Finances aren’t the only reason that people invest in green technologies.  For early adapters and environmentally-minded individuals, these figures are just part of the investment in protecting the earth.  Those who are looking at going green as a way to save money need to look at all the costs associated with their choices and not expect to achieve repayment of their initial investment for many years.

Thanks to Starlight Investments for this article.

 

Investing in a Green Home

On May 16, 2013, in Green Homes, by OneWorld
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With environmental and energy concerns at the forefront of social responsibility topics, many people are choosing to go green, especially with their homes. People choose to “green” their homes not only because of the prevalence of environmental concerns, but also because, on a personal level, they can save money and potentially increase the value of their property as well. Saving money does not mean cutting corners. Homeowners can enjoy saving money simply by weatherizing their homes and installing energy efficient appliances. In addition, should a homeowner decide to sell their house, going green can increase the value, enabling them to sell the home at a more profitable price.

Cutting Expense of Home Ownership

images2Home ownership brings with it many expenses that renters do not often have to worry about. Between maintenance, repairs, the cost of appliances, taxes, and energy costs, homeowners have to find ways to save money and to optimize their budget. Energy costs are one place where the household budgets take quite a hit each year. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, the average household spends approximately $1,900 each year in energy costs alone. Going green can help you to reduce this cost by utilizing your resources more efficiently. Weatherize your home by replacing doors and windows, insulating, repairing and covering areas where drafts might come in, etc. If you cannot afford to weatherize, your local Community Action Partnership should have a program to assist you. You can also lower your energy bill by turning your thermostats down a mere degree or two, taking shorter showers,, using the energy saver mode on appliances when possible, and unplugging appliances when they are not in use. In addition, upgrading to Energy Star appliances and having your heating and air conditioning routinely serviced will help you to save a ton of money too.

Increasing the Value of Your Home

Today’s home buyers might very well appreciate a “green” home and be willing to pay a good price for it, since they won’t have to do much updating to make the home green themselves. Even if a buyer is not looking for a “green” home specifically, having made updates and upgrades is sure to raise the value of your house and to entice potential buyers. Newer, energy efficient appliances, weatherization, new windows and doors, and other interior and exterior updates and upgrades makes your home more beautiful, more practical and functional, and enticing buyers who know a good deal when they see one. Even if you are selling the home at a higher price tag due to the work you have done on the home, buyers will see the savings in not having to install new appliances or make any major repairs to “green” the house and save on energy costs.

Lionel Redmon is a real estate columnist and popular guest blogger. He writes about commercial and residential real estate issues for various financial sites like money mutual as well as many real estate blogs.

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Healthcare Patient Management

On May 15, 2013, in Health, by OneWorld
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collegeWhat is the complaint culture like in your healthcare organization?  Leadership should be focused on the patient‘s best outcome.  There should not be a blame culture associated with complaints as this may impact patient care.  Complaints made within the healthcare institution have traditionally been viewed as negative.  However when they are put in the context of patient quality then the outcome is more favorable.

Building a positive patient complaint culture takes time.  The negative view of patient complaints should be replaced by a positive air.  The benefits to the institution include patient loyalty, improvements in quality, and lowered costs.

Physicians should be directly involved in complaints and by listening and acting on the input will put your organization in better stead for receiving patient referrals.  This will improve relationships with admitting physicians and improve the inpatient admission statistics including increased occupancy rates, and positive financial results.  Often healthcare complaint management software is used to control the process.

Information provided by www.clickpointsoftware.com

 

How Businesses Can Go Green

On April 29, 2013, in Business, Electronics, Environment, by OneWorld
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At one point people believed that the green movement was just another trend like acid-washed jeans or quiz shows, but it’s clear that the green movement is here to stay. People care about the environment and in some cases so do corporations, although many people believe that they are being motivated by their purse strings and not their heart strings. But regardless of a person’s or corporation’s motivation the result is the same. So how can businesses same money and save the environment at the same time? It’s simple really.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are exactly new technology but recently corporations have been using them in innovative way to not only save money but make money as well. Most large office complexes also have large parking lots, many of which have covered parking spaces. Lately companies have realized that they can replace the otherwise useless normal sheet metal that is used to provide covered parking with solar panels. Some places like Arizona State University’s West campus have converted entire parking lot to use solar panel covered parking in turn creating a massive solar panel array. These solar panel array can generate large amounts of energy which can help businesses cut costs and depend on a business’ energy uses can even generate money by selling the surplus energy back to a utility.

Cloud Computing

Most businesses run complex services and operations that require large databases and servers, which are often housed onsite. Maintaining large severs  can be costly for any company and usually extends into the thousands of dollars, because it not just about buying severs, it’s about keeping them cool, backing up the content they store, and hiring people to operate them . A  company’s carbon impact can expand significantly just by having to manage a few servers. In a n effort to save money and reduce their carbon footprint several companies have begun relying on cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to using the dedicated server and computational resources of another company such as Amazon or Media Temple, which have massive data centers. Cloud computing in essence offloads all of the computing resources to another location  that is specifically designed just for computer server maintenance. By using cloud computing a company can eliminate the cost and carbon footprint associated with operating an in-house server or server room.  In a recent presentation detailed some of the many benefits of cloud computing beyond just saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Information provided by Money Mutual

 

Energy Losses In Commercial Buildings Are Going Through The Roof!

On April 18, 2013, in Eco Friendly, by OneWorld
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A staggering seventeen percent of the UK’s total carbon emissions are generated by the UK’s two million commercial buildings.  In times of austerity, it seems a no-brainer to ensure our commercial buildings are made more energy efficient. All public buildings are required to have an A-G rating of their carbon footprint displayed in the foyer. This does not extend to commercial buildings yet however, who wouldn’t want to reduce the cost of owning and maintaining their commercial building?

Without the ability to benchmark a property, it’s very difficult to know where to start identifying potential energy saving improvements. This was most shockingly demonstrated when it was found that the Houses of Parliament (aka the tax payer) had overpaid for its power by nearly £400,000 over a five year period. Accompanying every A-G rating is a report which provides advice on how to improve a building’s energy performance; this considers factors such as insulation, heating, ventilation and lighting. Building type and construction method play a major role in determining where most savings are to be made however, thermo graphic surveys or infra red (IR) surveys are key to making significant savings in the vast majority of cases.  A way of attaining the information needed is to use companies you offer test equipment hire.

Over recent years, IR cameras have morphed from being bulky, specialized research instruments into compact, user friendly tools designed for a range of commercial and industrial applications. Camera prices have dropped from in excess of £25,000 to just a few thousand which means that even a high quality camera can be hired for an annual inspection for around £200 or so.  This means that for a relatively small fee the hirer can identify significant savings against the building without need to maintain or recalibrate an expensive instrument from year to year.

The camera will detect very subtle changes in the surface temperature of whatever feature is being inspected. It shows temperature differences by ‘coloring’ which indicate a loss of energy (and cash).  Within commercial buildings, this creates a vast array of opportunities to identify and eradicate expensive energy losses. For example, a simple external survey may identify missing or settled insulation panels on the inside of the building. Similarly, air leakage through damaged windows, doors and wall penetrations can be sealed through replacing seals and repairing cracks. Roof damage can be easily identified without the need for coring –through detecting saturated areas and making localized repairs.

Inside the building, complete electrical distribution systems can be checked including fuses, buzz bars and other connections for overheating. Motors, generators, air conditioners, steam systems and boilers can be inspected to quickly identify losses in efficiency through misalignment, leakage, overheating and breakdown. Most IR cameras are supplied with intelligent software which allows the user to benchmark building’s the current condition and annually re-inspect for signs of deterioration.  As IR surveys are conducted very quickly, they save significant time over conventional methods –and often more accurately.

If we really need want some quick wins when it comes to energy conservation, the no brainer has to be an IR Survey.

Image via Creative Commons

 

What is a College Grant?

On March 21, 2013, in Education, by OneWorld
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If you are preparing to go to college you will probably be aware of the expense involved.  Getting a college education is expensive.  That is where college grants come in.  A grant is an amount money to help for you to pay your way through college.  Grants come in many forms and from many institutions including the government as well as the public and private sectors.  Unlike student loans grants do not have to be paid back.  If you are fortunate enough to be good at sports and like basketball, football or baseball you may be in line for a scholarship but not many are that gifted and the places are limited.

To get a college grant you will have to submit an application.  You should apply as soon as you can and to as many sources of grants as you can.  It’s a first come first served scenario – and once the funds are gone no more applications will be accepted.  Make sure your application is complete and that all of the questions are answered.  Do this neatly.  You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity for these reasons.  Send in your application on time per the deadline.  If possible get it in early.

The application process may be lengthy and may require certain criteria, letters of recommendations, essays, and family income statements.  Grants may be given in exchange for professional services once the education is complete.

Grants can be applied to different areas of the expenses you will face.  Some grants will be for tuition or accommodation but may also be applied to other expenses related to your education.  There is a large variety of grants so its best to seek out the ones that meet your particular needs.  Some types of grants may not apply to your needs.

Governmental grants are probably the most common.  These grants may come from the federal or state level.  A good example is the Pell Grants which can be obtained for a variety of circumstances including financial need, academic ability or for a particular in-demand field of study.

So research your options, be prepared in advance and apply for as many college grants as you can.  This will help you to optimize your chance of funding your college education and enter the field of your dreams.

 

Native American Music: Then and Now

On March 18, 2013, in Uncategorized, by OneWorld
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Before white settlers arrived on the shores of this country, Native American music was the sound of the land. Far from being a simple, common music, the music of the Native American population was as diverse as the music of today, customized by each tribe. Some academics also believe Native American music to be one of the most complex musical styles ever created.

Music in Native American culture

Throughout history, Native American music served multiple functions, as it still does today. It was performed for fun, in ceremony, and for healing, which is not far from the ways in which most cultures still use music today, dividing songs and singing styles into categories like popular music, hymns and music therapy.

Vocals

While instrumentation is the driving force behind many popular musical forms, the human voice is the most important aspect of Native American music. Vocals are ever-present in the Native American musical style, and singing or chanting throughout songs is common. At its core, Native American music is storytelling with accompaniment.

Instruments

Though modern instruments have been adopted by many contemporary Native American musical performers, the staple instruments have remained the same. Drums and flutes have long been a part of Native American music, because they were easy to fashion out of natural materials, like animal hide, wood, deer hooves, gourds and turtle shells.

Native American artists

When two cultures collide, they are bound to have an effect on each other, and over time, Native American musicians and American musicians of European descent have become more similar in the songs they create. For example, the most famous artists with Native American ancestry in recent history – such as Ben Harper and Jimi Hendrix – have largely become famous playing non-native instruments.

Blues influence

Despite its distinctive sounds, Native American music seems to be largely been absent from American popular culture. But that may be because it’s so deeply ingrained in modern music that it may not be recognizable. According to Elaine Bomberry, host of Canadian aboriginal talent show Rez Bluez, the blues, which has commonly been attributed to the influence of African American folk songs and gospel music, shares similarities with tribal music as well. Commonalities such as a four-beat measure in early blues music, specific rhythms and the phrasing of lyrics, along with the number of early blues performers who identified as Native American, indicate that Native American music is as much a part of the blues as African-American music.

Learning more about Native American music sounds and influences doesn’t require a trip back in time, or even away from your home. The Native American Music Awards celebrate what’s popular in contemporary culture, while the Chickasaw TV performing arts channel showcases today’s popular Native American performers and historic influences, giving an all-around look at the tribe’s musical development over time. Though modern American music may trump traditional Native American music in popularity, the native music of the country is still alive and beating.

 

Tax Benefits of Green Improvements

On February 1, 2013, in Money, by OneWorld
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In today’s reality of environmental uncertainty it is every member of society’s responsibility to do his part to help protect the environment. There are many things that you can do to help care for the environment, from reducing your time in the car to making sure that you use only biodegradable materials. Some of the most important things that you can do to do your part in protecting the environment can be done right in your own home or business, and many of these steps are not just good for the environment. These changes can also offer you financial benefits that make them even more appealing.

Going “green” is about making responsible choices in the products that you choose and your daily activities in order to reduce your impact on the environment. Making certain green choices in your home and business can also offer you the benefit of tax credits or rebates that will save you money. These tax benefits help to cushion the investment of green changes and enhance the financial savings that many of these green changes offer over the long term. As tax laws vary from state to state, and each year can also bring modifications to these laws, it is important that you discuss any green modifications that you plan to make to your home or business so that you fully understand the tax implications of these changes.

Some of the green changes that you can make to your existing home or business that will benefit the environment while also offering financial incentives include:

  • Installing thermal windows and doors that increase energy efficiency
  • Use of effective insulation to enhance the home’s temperature control
  • Installation of energy –efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Use of biomass stoves

Other tax incentives are offered to green choices that are made for new construction. These are steps that are taken when building new homes and businesses that ensure that structure will operate in the most environmentally-friendly way. Some of the new construction choices that can be taken include:

  • Installation of geothermal heat pumps
  • Installation of solar panels and solar-powered water heaters
  • Use of fuel cells of ongoing energy storage and use
  • Use of wind energy

In order to claim the tax incentives for these changes you must have very specific information regarding the equipment or individual changes. It is critical that you retain all of the paperwork that came with these products so you can prepare your income tax returns appropriately.

Sam Joseph is a Phoenix certified forensic accountant and frequent blogger who writes about topics like tax and business accounting as well as forensic accounting for various financial and business sites.

 

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Driving Green

On November 24, 2012, in Automotive, by OneWorld
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While you might understand that Planet Earth is experiencing warped weather patterns thanks to pollution, you might wonder whether it is worth all the green hype currently in the media. Everybody seems to be talking about green this and green that; it would come as no surprise if ‘green’ ice cubes or ‘green’ hot dogs have been invented! Is it all just noise aimed at driving up sales of ‘environmentally friendly’ products or is our planet really gravely at risk? And if that is the case, how can you chip in to help prevent further damage?

Well, yes and yes. Some environmental experts claim that global warming poses a more severe threat to our world than that posed by terrorists. Global warming is caused by abnormal levels of carbon in the atmosphere and is said to be why some parts of the world are experiencing severe droughts while others are afflicted by severe flooding. The good news is that you can do something about it.

First, you can help reduce the amount of carbon floating about in the atmosphere by increasing the efficiency with which your car uses gas. This starts from the moments you’re leaving the house. Before you thrust your keys into the ignition, have a clear efficient route mapped out in your head of how to get to your destination. And if you plan your trips on a daily or weekly basis, you could combine journeys and reduce your consumption drastically. Also before you leave the parking, make sure your car is carrying only what you need. Research has shown that the more you carry, the more fuel you need to get from point A to B. Switching quickly to higher gears while driving is another trick you can use to postpone your next trip to the gas station. Accelerating smoothly to a cruising speed will also see you consume less than when you jam your foot on the accelerator.

If you are not yet a driver and are still mulling over the options for your first car, why not buy a vehicle that can run on fuel that does less damage to the environment instead of fossil fuels? Heard of biofuels? This is a category of fuels that will propel your vehicle while releasing less pollutants into the atmosphere. Biodiesel for instance is produced from filtered animal and vegetable fats and provides a good sulphur-free alternative to petrol. Alcohol-based fuels such as ethanol, ethanol and butanol are another environmentally friendly option. Another alternative currently in use is hydrogen which is a real blessing to Mother Earth as it is emission-free.  One of the most popular alternatives that car-makers are raving about is electricity. Hybrids (cars that use both fuel and electricity) and electric cars are increasingly being produced and the manufacturers of the batteries that store this energy are continually being refined to last longer between recharging stops.

Just last year the prototype of a vehicle that is powered by solar energy and made from recycled materials was launched in Brunei. There are many other vehicles of this kind including a microcar made from recycled plastic and a sports car whose body is made from recycled stainless steel. Work in this direction is still in its infancy though.

 

Neela Dodson is a blogger and lifestyle coach who writes about improving one’s life through making compassionate and socially responsible choices. She especially likes to write about car repair and DIY projects for women.

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