Now that people and Americans especially, are becoming more environmentally conscious, large cars such as SUVs are becoming less and less popular. Around a decade ago, these cars became the status symbol that many people sought after. The bigger the car, the better, and the Hummer was one of the crown jewels. Now these gas guzzling vehicles are being replaced by Japanese cars and hybrids, which are not only cheaper but are easier on the environment as well.
With all of the effects that global warming has been having on our environment, environmentalists are pushing more and more for green housing. This involves among other things, preserving what greenery is left, and making more compact living quarters, using solar energy, and cutting down on fuel. It is crucial that we make any changes we can not only to ensure that we have a safe environment but that it remains that way in the future.
In the spirit of hybrid cars, which seems to be the latest trend these days in the automobile world, Honda is introducing its new model for 2009. The new hybrid will be a five-door sedan that can seat five passengers. The world has started to be more aware of the need to care for the planet, and in doing so has started a trend of “green” cars, among them hybrids. It is part of Honda’s plan to incorporate these “green” cars into their line of cars for the next three years. This new sedan will also feature new technologies such as ones that reduce size and weight and increases the efficiency of the car.
Most of us toss wrapper after wrapper and empty package after package into the garbage can without giving a thought to what all of that trash does to our planet. Little by little people are beginning to become aware of the need to keep our planet clean and to recycle. One attempt at conserving materials is by recycling items such as candy wrappers, newspapers, and plastic bags, and transforming them into retro looking handbags, wallets, and other accessories. These eco-fashion items are already being used by celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Lindsay Lohan. Hopefully others will follow suit and be more environmentally conscious.
Compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs are bound to be the successor of the incandescent light bulbs which has served humanity for the longest time. It was invented by an engineer of General Electric but was shelved due to the high cost of building new factories to produce them. The design eventually leaked out and was copied by others. CFLs turned out to be a very important development in energy conservation. It uses between one-fifth and one-quarter of the power of an equivalent incandescent lamp.
The use of Compact fluorescent lamps reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants specifically in countries where electricity is largely produced from burning fossil fuels. Its use can also help reduce negative impacts from radioactive waste, hydroelectric plants or other sources.
Fires sparked in lithium batteries appear to be uncontrollable by the usual fire protection systems in place at the cargo hold of passenger planes. In an effort to help reduce the risk of fires, the US Transportation Department has disallowed packing of loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. However, those batteries that are installed in electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones and laptops are allowed. Batteries that are packed in plastic bags may be in a carryon baggage but is only limited to two (2) per passenger.
The ban will affect shipments of non-rechargeable lithium batteries. This development follows a cargo plane fire in at least one airport where lithium batteries were suspected as being the source. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has urged travelers to help prevent such similar incidences by doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or in a plastic zip-lock bag to avoid unintentional short circuiting and fire.