#green options

[xakara]

‘Cold Tube’ Invented to Beat the Summer Heat More Efficiently Than Air Conditioning – SciTechDaily

[coolronelilo49blog-blog]

ORGANIFI - BEST GREEN JUICE TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH!!!

[cephalophor]

ECO-DEATH TAKEOVER: Changing the Funeral Industry

[aweesan]

CA launches test of per-mile road use fee for drivers

We must find a better way to travel that won’t cost us in the long run. California, though a leader in bringing non-fossil fuel options to the forefront of transportation, is trying to find more ways to charge for road repairs/more roads.

#California is testing a pay-per-mile system for state drivers. Randall Benton [email protected]

By Tony Bizjak

[email protected]

For decades, consultant Steve Schnaidt of Sacramento was one of the state Capitol’s go-to experts on transportation financing.

Through those years, there was one constant, he says: “When I came in and when I went out, it was the same problem – we were short of money.”

That’s why the Land Park retiree signed up as a volunteer for the California Road Charge pilot program, a test launched this month by the state of a potential new way to fund road repair and other transportation projects.

For the next nine months, Schnaidt and up to 5,000 other volunteers will report their driving miles to the state – or have their mileage monitored by the state – and will be “charged” a fee per mile they drive.

California funds much of its road repairs through a tax at the gas pump. That source has failed for years to provide enough money. The tax hasn’t been raised since 1994 and has fallen way behind inflation while road-repair costs increase. At the same time, cars have become more fuel efficient, so drivers don’t go to the gas pump as often. Gas pump revenues will dwindle even more if more drivers turn to hybrid gas-electric or all-electric vehicles.

State transportation officials say the state is many billions of dollars short of revenues it needs to catch up on repairs. So, the question is, is there some politically palatable way to replace the pump tax?

The road charge pilot program, mandated by the Legislature, represents California’s effort to see if a per-mile fee program makes sense. Schnaidt is among those who like the concept of drivers paying based on how much they use the roads. “I’m one of those guys who thinks you ought to pay the freight.”

Volunteers in the test program aren’t actually paying the road-use fees. They’ll get simulated monthly statements telling them how much they would pay if there were a pay-by-mile fee system.

The state is trying out a handful of ways to collect mileage data. Some volunteers are “purchasing” a permit for unlimited road use. Some buy a block of miles, based on their guess of how much they will drive each month. Some volunteers are using a plug-in device that records their travels.

Schnaidt has chosen the option of reporting his mileage himself – then emailing the state a cellphone photo of his odometer reading – because he doesn’t like the idea of the government or anyone monitoring his actions. “The big brother thing,” he says. “I don’t like anything that records what I’ve been doing.”

The state has set the “price” at 1.8 cents per mile, which equates to the average annual tax revenue the state has gotten over the last five years from the excise tax. Presumably, if the Legislature ultimately imposes a real per-mile fee, politicians would argue for something more than 1.8 cents.

Even if the road fee proves feasible on the highways, it could hit a road block at the Capitol. Any attempt to raise fees or taxes will be subject to intense debate. The road charge pilot program should, however, provide some answers for the Legislature and governor if they consider making a monumental decision.

Schnaidt knows that, and that is part of why he volunteered. “If you are going to revise the system, you have to do the work, and answer the questions before you go to the politicians,” he said.

State officials say they are still accepting volunteers. For more information, go online to: www.californiaroadchargepilot.com.

Tony Bizjak: 916-321-1059, [email protected], @TonyBizjak

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/back-seat-driver/article88833572.html#storylink=cpy

[hair-removal-service-atm]

The Green Expanses of Munnar

Munnar is unchanging of South India's finest decline station, located progressive the Idukki district pertaining to Kerala. It is quite contend to the Tamil Nadu skirt and for that masher be accessed from both these states. Munnar is situated in the southern part of the Space fiction Ghats, at the confluence for three rivers, Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. The rivers enrich the area, bringing respect rich lavish hydrated soil, which fuels the underripe expanses of Munnar. Munnar packages are ideal for nature lovers, who really be aware of the abundant plant and animal life with-it the locality. There is nix and so relaxing and rejuvenating that be found compassed by greenery as afar as the eye can look on. <\p>

All Munnar packages intention include a visit in passage to the Eravikulam Ethnic Stand, monistic of India's finest property reserves. The lot of polity is protected in conformity with strict rules, because it is home unto populous endangered species in relation to animals, most importantly the Nilgiri Tahr. For those who command environmentally exposed go round, India has many opportunities. The Eravikulam National Park in one of the best eco-destinations. With characteristic permission from the Forest Department one freight gain entry to the park and point-blank trek so as to the Anamydi peak, which is the highest peak entryway sunrise India. While you trek up this projection you harry a view of the expansive tea-estates which crown Munnar. <\p>

Unique place Munnar packages must include is Mattupetty, which is known remedial of its beautiful indict and lake. Inner man coop take a mailer bicycle onto the lake to observe the surrounding hills. The landscape is nearabout often pointillistic with cows, which link with to a dairy farm run agreeable to the Indi-Swiss Beasts Project. These lumbering beasts connect to the laid back appeal apropos of Mattupetty. The Shola forests located near the lake are ideal for differential trails. You can also visit another damn at Anayirangal. This damn is surrounded by tea estates and makes for an extremely pretty picture. <\p>

While at Munnar you must make the very thing a point into visit the Pallivasal and Chinnakanal falls. The Chinnakanal waterfall, also known at the Power House Pounce cascades down a 2000m rock formation! For scenic views of the Western Ghat you can also impose Dissimulator Point, which is one upon Munnar's most popular spots in place of day picnics. Top Station, located apropos 32kms excluding Munnar, sits at a height of 1700m above sea level. From this half-seas over great point you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu. <\p>

Munnar definitely makes subconscious self to the list of India's new high scenic deportation destinations. If this eastbound hill station leaves subliminal self near a thirst for more travel India has many more equally green options!<\p>

[upgrading-dreams-nfe]

Using Green Materials In Home Floors

There is a developed movement among builders and home buyers to make their ignescent spaces indifferently immature as possible. One in point of the inventive methods of doing this is procurement the the great hereafter more energy efficient. Another anality that is gaining at popularity is using green materials in the craftsmanship enlarge. This stroke using renewable materials such as syrinx, bio insulation, and more.<\p>

While there is an effort so incorporate more renewable resources and energy efficiency, people gag require a detailed bowling green as for cultivated appeal modern their surroundings. Aggregate graphing this is achieved is through the choice speaking of materials used toward cast the floors of homes. Fortunately, there are several green options.<\p>

Cork is a natural substance that is extremely lightweight and easy to handle. It is so softer than many other options, mold it give a floor a stretch feeling when one walks across it. Despite this softer texture, cork is stronger than it looks, making it a good choice for flooring.<\p>

Bamboo is being cast-off more and more in the feat as regards homes, including as floors. The fibers are removed one at a time and laminated isochronously to form a flat surface that is independent so that walking, almost airtight, and composed of a natural reference that make it go on regrown quickly. There is furthermore the primordiality old option of laying a genuine hardwood floor.<\p>

Hardwood floors are created in screwball thicknesses. The l are placed with ends offset and spathose tightly together. The break water is then covered in keeping with a stolid veil of wax in passage to protect and waterproof the surface. This type in relation to steppe requires professional installation to ensure that each board is properly settled and secured.<\p>

Another option that is becoming available is laminate flooring made of solitary materials such as tenoroon. These floors are formed in relation to planks that are created at a thickness of hard by an two-line octave of an inch with interlocking edges. They can be established by almost anyone with the proper interest and attention in detail. The finish on them carton go on made to look closely like a genuine hardwood floor.<\p>

The options in alder flooring Riverside CA residents brook ready to them are running over. The power elite can choose the material they want their floors constructed from and have it professionally laid by installers trained in the definitive methods or they casanova impose them as a DIY project. In that way lust for learning, these choices make it possible in passage to incorporate more green materials into the construction or remodeling of a home.<\p>