Thursday, March 31, 2005
Science / Appropriate Technology
CSE wins 2005 Stockholm Water Prize
WEB Reference, Mar. 28, 2005 (SciDev.Net) - Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) will receive Stockholm Water Prize for 2005 for its efforts to build a system for water management using the traditional approach of rainwater harvesting and advocating that communities should manage their local water systems. http://us.oneworld.net/external/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scidev.net%2FNews%2Findex.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3DreadNews%26itemid%3D2009%26language%3D1.
CSE wins 2005 Stockholm Water Prize
WEB Reference, Mar. 28, 2005 (SciDev.Net) - Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) will receive Stockholm Water Prize for 2005 for its efforts to build a system for water management using the traditional approach of rainwater harvesting and advocating that communities should manage their local water systems. http://us.oneworld.net/external/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scidev.net%2FNews%2Findex.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3DreadNews%26itemid%3D2009%26language%3D1.
Emergency Response / Water
Solar Disinfection of Water
WEB Reference, March, 2005 (World Health Organization, Water, Sanitization & Health) - Solar disinfection is an effective water treatment method that is applicable to emergencies, especially when no chemical disinfectants are available. Ultra-violet rays from the sun are used to inactivate pathogens present in water. This technique involves exposing water in clear plastic bottles to sunlight for a day, for example on the roof of a house. In emergencies, empty bottles can be used that are left over from an initial shipment of drinking water. Bottles need to be cleaned, filled to three quarters full and shaken thoroughly 20 times, before being filled completely. The bottles are then exposed to sunlight for 6 hours (or for 2 days if the sun is obscured by clouds). The water should be consumed directly from the bottle or transferred in a clean glass for drinking. To be effective, solar disinfection must be applied to relatively clear water. For further information, see annex and www.sodis.ch and www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/wsh0207/en/.
Solar Disinfection of Water
WEB Reference, March, 2005 (World Health Organization, Water, Sanitization & Health) - Solar disinfection is an effective water treatment method that is applicable to emergencies, especially when no chemical disinfectants are available. Ultra-violet rays from the sun are used to inactivate pathogens present in water. This technique involves exposing water in clear plastic bottles to sunlight for a day, for example on the roof of a house. In emergencies, empty bottles can be used that are left over from an initial shipment of drinking water. Bottles need to be cleaned, filled to three quarters full and shaken thoroughly 20 times, before being filled completely. The bottles are then exposed to sunlight for 6 hours (or for 2 days if the sun is obscured by clouds). The water should be consumed directly from the bottle or transferred in a clean glass for drinking. To be effective, solar disinfection must be applied to relatively clear water. For further information, see annex and www.sodis.ch and www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/wsh0207/en/.
Science & Technology
Open Directory on All Things Solar
http://dmoz.org/Science/Technology/Energy/Renewable/Solar/.
Open Directory on All Things Solar
http://dmoz.org/Science/Technology/Energy/Renewable/Solar/.
Resources / Solar, How to
Sunshine to Dollars
BOOK Reference, Mar. 29, 2005 (KnoweldgePublications.com) - One of the best "HOW TO" books on Solar Energy Available. http://www.knowledgepublications.com/sunshine_to_dollars_google_adwords2.htm
Sunshine to Dollars
BOOK Reference, Mar. 29, 2005 (KnoweldgePublications.com) - One of the best "HOW TO" books on Solar Energy Available. http://www.knowledgepublications.com/sunshine_to_dollars_google_adwords2.htm
Food / Growing
COMPOSTERS: Nourishing the Earth, How To
EMAIL, Mar. 31, 2005 (Ecology North member Paul F. sends the following info) - Nine simple designs, including a model you can make from wooden pallets -- available free in Yellowknife from the Dump or from Sears. Suggestion: here in the North, use a fifth pallet for the floor, to keep your compost off the cold ground as long as possible. http://www.rrfb.com/pages/Secondary%20pages/Complan.html.
COMPOSTERS: Nourishing the Earth, How To
EMAIL, Mar. 31, 2005 (Ecology North member Paul F. sends the following info) - Nine simple designs, including a model you can make from wooden pallets -- available free in Yellowknife from the Dump or from Sears. Suggestion: here in the North, use a fifth pallet for the floor, to keep your compost off the cold ground as long as possible. http://www.rrfb.com/pages/Secondary%20pages/Complan.html.
Renewable Energy / Education
Independent Electric Systems Design
VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC, March, 2005 (Energy Alternatives) - Solar, wind and small hydro (micro hydro) electric systems are used in thousands of homes and industries world wide. The standardization of components and design of these systems has changed renewable energy from an experimental hobby to a practical alternative to fossil fuel generators. These systems can easily pass electrical inspections when installed with UL or CSA approved equipment. Purchasing an independent electrical power system is not as simple as buying a mass produced consumer appliance. These systems usually operate in remote locations where the owner is responsible for installation, maintenance and service. An understanding of the equipment and how it functions will save money and frustration. http://www.energyalternatives.ca/SystemDesign/sys1.html.
Independent Electric Systems Design
VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC, March, 2005 (Energy Alternatives) - Solar, wind and small hydro (micro hydro) electric systems are used in thousands of homes and industries world wide. The standardization of components and design of these systems has changed renewable energy from an experimental hobby to a practical alternative to fossil fuel generators. These systems can easily pass electrical inspections when installed with UL or CSA approved equipment. Purchasing an independent electrical power system is not as simple as buying a mass produced consumer appliance. These systems usually operate in remote locations where the owner is responsible for installation, maintenance and service. An understanding of the equipment and how it functions will save money and frustration. http://www.energyalternatives.ca/SystemDesign/sys1.html.
Exemplary Resources / EcoDesign
Planet Earth Home: The ultimate self-sufficient home for any location in the world
BOOK Reference, Mar 29, 2005 (Planet Earth Home) Book By Mel Moench - This single book is a compilation of the entire world's knowledge and technology for new self-sufficient home designs. It is organized as a comprehensive reference work covering virtually all related self-sufficient categories such as passive/active solar, photovoltaic, wind power, greenhouse vegetable production, recycling, water conservation, greywater, wood heating, thermal mass, food preservation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, healthy diets, fish/animal production, natural lighting, and much more. Browse the online Full Index. Read more.
Planet Earth Home: The ultimate self-sufficient home for any location in the world
BOOK Reference, Mar 29, 2005 (Planet Earth Home) Book By Mel Moench - This single book is a compilation of the entire world's knowledge and technology for new self-sufficient home designs. It is organized as a comprehensive reference work covering virtually all related self-sufficient categories such as passive/active solar, photovoltaic, wind power, greenhouse vegetable production, recycling, water conservation, greywater, wood heating, thermal mass, food preservation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, healthy diets, fish/animal production, natural lighting, and much more. Browse the online Full Index. Read more.
Self-Guided Learning / Resources
Power System Basics
WEB Reference, Mar. 27, 2005 (JATS Alternative Power Company website) - If you're new to alternative energy concepts using solar or wind resources for supplying electricity, then we highly recommend you start by reviewing these informative pages: Basics of solar power ; Basics of wind power ; Basics of hydro power . Then, if you want to utilize the extensive design tools we've provided on this site you'll have a better idea of how alternative power systems work and how they can help you. http://www.jatsgreenpower.com/basics.html . There are numerous calculations required to determine the right equipment for your solar or wind power system. Our web site offers excellent worksheets and an auto-calculator for those who desire to get involved in the required calculations. This design section is for those who understand or want to better understand the relationship of watt-hours per day, solar array and/or wind generator kWh output, battery reserve and so on. http://www.jatsgreenpower.com/design.html . For their 2004 Catalog, download here (5 megs). http://www.jatsgreenpower.com/aeg2003-04Catalog-JATS.pdf
Power System Basics
WEB Reference, Mar. 27, 2005 (JATS Alternative Power Company website) - If you're new to alternative energy concepts using solar or wind resources for supplying electricity, then we highly recommend you start by reviewing these informative pages: Basics of solar power ; Basics of wind power ; Basics of hydro power . Then, if you want to utilize the extensive design tools we've provided on this site you'll have a better idea of how alternative power systems work and how they can help you. http://www.jatsgreenpower.com/basics.html . There are numerous calculations required to determine the right equipment for your solar or wind power system. Our web site offers excellent worksheets and an auto-calculator for those who desire to get involved in the required calculations. This design section is for those who understand or want to better understand the relationship of watt-hours per day, solar array and/or wind generator kWh output, battery reserve and so on. http://www.jatsgreenpower.com/design.html . For their 2004 Catalog, download here (5 megs). http://www.jatsgreenpower.com/aeg2003-04Catalog-JATS.pdf
