Helene Webman, an environmentally concerned mother of two from Phoenix, saw an opportunity to save precious resources each time she left her iPhone charger plugged in. The result is a prototype for the EarthPlug™, a low cost add-on to your iPhone charger that allows the user to easily disengage the plug from the outlet when it’s not in use.

“After your iPhone is fully charged, you simply slide the charger out from within the EarthPlug,” says Webman. “Your charger remains anchored to the wall so you always know where it is, but because the plug is no longer in the outlet you put an end to vampire draw.”

Webman recently launched EarthPlug at Kickstarter, the popular website that provides a way for anyone with an idea to promote and fund creative projects. Webman is looking to raise $8,000 to take her prototype to production.

“After many trials and errors, we have a working prototype that is ready for manufacturing,” she explains. “Kickstarter contributions will be used for initial tooling and production.”

The first EarthPlug is designed for the iPhone, but once the company gets off the ground Webman hopes to create similar devices for a wide variety of electronics and home appliances.

“Nobody is going to go bankrupt from the cost of vampire draw for one iPhone,” says Webman. “But on a large scale it can make a huge environmental impact, which is why I created EarthPlug and why this project is so important to me. Today most of our energy comes from non-renewable sources so we have a responsibility to conserve.”

The EarthPlug page on Kickstarter is a family affair, with Helene’s daughter Zoe, a sophomore at University of Arizona, adding unique animation to the site. The younger Webman’s video, “Martha Invents the Earth Plug” teaches visitors to the site how vampire power can bleed electronic devices dry.

For more information on EarthPlug visit Webman’s Kickstarter page.

Put an End to ‘Vampire Power’ With EarthPlug for iPhone is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dear EarthTalk: Has anyone calculated the energy wasted at night by unnecessary lighting in and around buildings? What can we do to reduce our light footprint? – Bill Rehkamp, via e-mail

Americans do squander a lot of electricity keeping things lit up at night while most of us sleep. This light blocks our view of the night sky and stars, creates glare hazards on roads, messes with our circadian sleep-wake rhythms, interrupts the patterns of nocturnal wildlife, and is by and large annoying. It also takes a financial toll: The federally funded National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) reports that poorly-aimed, unshielded outdoor lights waste $2 billion (17.4 billion kilowatt-hours) of energy in the U.S.each year.

NOAO has monitored outdoor lighting levels across the U.S. and beyond for the past six years through its GLOBE at Night program whereby citizen-scientists track nearby outdoor lighting levels over a two-week period beginning in late March and submit their observations to NOAO electronically. A simple star map provided by NOAO is all that participants need to track their slice of sky. “All it takes is a few minutes for a family to measure their night sky brightness by noting how many stars are missing from an easy-to-find constellation like Leo (in the northern hemisphere) or Crux (in the southern hemisphere),” says GLOBE at Night project director Connie Walker. “This tells us how much light is directed upwards into the sky.”

Over the last six annual campaigns, participants from 100-plus countries have contributed almost 70,000 measurements, giving project organizers a detailed picture of light pollution globally. Unfortunately, analysis of the data shows that participants have seen brighter skies and fewer stars over time, meaning that light pollution is a growing problem. The free and publicly-accessible data gathered by the project is not only useful for educational purposes but can also help inform planners and policymakers on decisions about increasing public safety, reducing energy consumption and even identifying parks and green spaces that can serve as “sky oases” where city dwellers can appreciate the night sky from a safe, dark place.

According to the McDonald Observatory’s Dark Skies Initiative (DSI), the solution to light pollution is 90 percent education and 10 percent technology. “We can reclaim vast amounts of energy currently wasted inadvertently into the night sky…by using light fixtures that are shielded to reflect light down where it is needed, as well as using the smallest number of lights and lowest wattage bulbs necessary to effectively light an area,” says DSI. Leading by example through the installation of downward-pointing outdoor light fixtures is a great place for home and building owners to start: “Once people see it in action, and understand its implications for cost savings and enhanced visibility, they are far more likely to adopt good lighting practices on their own.” Another group committed to reducing light pollution, the International Dark-Sky Association, maintains a list of distributors that sell approved fixtures to prevent light pollution.

Some cities have instituted standards to limit outdoor night lighting to protect citizens against unwanted light (or “light trespass”). The International Dark-Sky Association has developed a set of model lighting ordinances that cities and towns can adopt and modify to suit their needs accordingly. Also, the U.S. Green Building Council has incorporated a credit for buildings seeking to reduce the amount of light trespass and sky glow through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Photo Credit: Brand X Pictures

CONTACTS: GLOBE At Night, www.globeatnight.org; Dark Skies Initiative, www.mcdonaldobservatory.org/darkskies; International Dark Sky Association, www.darksky.org.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Are we suffering from light pollution? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Consumer culture pushes us to want and buy more new stuff we really don’t need and doesn’t add to our happiness. The forces at work that cause all this may seem huge and inescapable — the World Transformation Movement has tried to address the cause of our human condition to bring peace to ourselves but there are some practical things we can do straight away to help maintain healthly, sustainable lifestyles. We can improve both for ourselves and others and in some ways we can make things better locally and globally:

*Grow Some Food

With the growing population and loss of arable land, food insecurity is on the rise. The quality of the food at the supermarket is harder than ever to guarantee. You can grow fresh vegetables and herbs in pots on your window ledge or patio, or in a garden. Gardening can improve your mood and fitness while producing fresh, vine-ripened food.

*Buy Fair Trade

Many of the foods and other goods we buy are produced by people working for very low wages in substandard conditions. You can enjoy your coffee, tea, chocolate and other consumer goods and know you are helping other people live a better life by shopping for Fair Trade goods.

*Buy Local

Another way to lessen the impact of consuming is to buy locally produced items. Check out farmer’s markets for local produce, cheese, bread, free range eggs, honey, grass fed meat and fresh caught fish. Arts and craft fairs are a great place to find handmade goods for presents. Locally owned restaurants and cafes can have interesting and varied menus. You’ll reduce the carbon footprint of your purchases and expand your local social circle, too.

*Walking, Biking & Public Transport

Every passenger vehicle with just a few people in it adds to the pollution and carbon load on our planet. Walking, biking and riding public transport helps cut down on local and worldwide pollution. Walking and biking also improve your personal fitness. Less driving means less road rage and more time to enjoy the scenery and get to know your community better.

*Volunteer & Contribute

Almost every community has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. You can participate in park clean ups, literacy programs, at the animal shelter, and more. You’ll meet people, feel more connected to your local community, and make your corner of the world a better place. If there are no local opportunities that fit with your schedule, you can sponsor a child in a third world country or contribute to a program that makes micro-loans to small businesspeople in developing nations.

Each small change supports the next. The more you do, the more you want to do and the more happy and engaged you’ll become. Your positive thoughts and activities and happiness spread out to others, and you improve not only your own human condition, but the human condition overall.

The new and inspired, more balanced and peace-seeking Mel has found much solace for her mind and body She enjoys discovering our world and finds herself reading and studying the myriad of ideas and reviews out there for us to learn from and build our knowledge base.

Tips On How We Can All Improve Our Human Condition is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

McGraw-Hill Professional had asked me to do a Third Edition of Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brandt for many reasons.  However, it was because of my experience and passion for electric cars that I did the Second Edition.  That was extremely humbling and I am looking forward to getting this book out to everyone.

Here is the new book intro for “Build Your Own Electric Vehicle”:

The advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) are well-known: nonpolluting operation, a renewable power source, safety, and low cost of operation.  Let’s get some more electric cars on the road and watch what happens.

Since I worked for the State of New York (specifically the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the NY Power Authority on alternative fueled vehicles and electric cars, I knew electric drive rocked. I was like the East Coast version of the movie by Chris Paine, Who Killed The Electric Car and drove electric vehicles.

Also, back in 2008 when I wrote about the supply of old electric cars I referred to the original THINK City (YES AND THE ORIGINAL PIVCO, THINK CITY), Toyota RAV4EV, Tesla Roadster, Ford Ranger, Chrysler EPIC Minivan, Honda EV Plus and know what an electric car can do on the road.  So if we can get more people to want to build their own electric car (you don’t have to convert it yourself) this book is for you!!!

Now we have the Tesla Roadster, Tesla Model X, Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus electric, Rolls Royce starting to develop prototypes after the second edition showed someone converting an old car to electric. Bam!!

As we said in the second edition, we’ll say it again:

“Empowering people with the tools to convert their own vehicles provides an immediate path away from petroleum dependence and should be part of the solutions portfolio.” – Chelsea Sexton, Co-founder, Plug In America and featured in Who Killed the Electric Car?

“Create a superior driving experience, strengthen America, and restore the planet’s ecosystems…that’s the promise of this book and it’s well worth a read!” – Josh Dorfman, Founder & CEO – Vivavi, Modern Green Furniture Store; Author, The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living.

Source: McGraw Hill Professional

More on Electric Vehicles From The Green Living Guy:

• Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman
• Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman
• Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel

‘Build Your Own Electric Vehicle’ Going Third Edition! is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Is It Easy To Do?

When it comes to gardening basics, many would not associate laying decking as one of them. The truth is really that it depends on your own skills and abilities to create and then build a decking layout yourself. We are going to assume that not everyone is a master landscape designer so that you can take advantage of creative decking ideas.

To the experts, decking is definitely a gardening basic. After all, they do it every day! Some of the best design companies out there come up with some truly innovative and inspirational designs to make gardens look like they have been lifted from a fairytale. Whether it is purely for your own satisfaction or to have a barbecue and show off, creative decking can be simply stunning.

Decking Ideas

Many decking ideas from leading designers incorporate additional elements into the design. Popular ideas include built in elements such as a fireplace or even a swimming pool or Jacuzzi. Your choices will obviously depend on your budget and the size of your garden, however the options available are endless.

Other inspirational ideas include the incorporation of lighting, which is best when utilised beneath the base decking to create a relaxing, non-invasive scene through the subtle use of light.

When many people place decking, or come up with a design themselves, often everything looks the same, all of the wooden beams are in the same direction and you are left with a very clinical looking creation. More and more designers are now incorporating colour into their decking plans, whether it be through painting or simply treating parts of the wood to appear darker and distressed. The more flamboyant are even experimenting with different patterns and shapes, the days of the solid geometric shape being used for all decking are firmly in the past.

Eco-Friendly Options

As the world becomes more environmentally aware, industry adapts to these trends. More design businesses are flaunting their green credentials by using ethically sourced or sustainable wood, as well as ensuring they use non-damaging treatments such as eco-friendly paints or varnishes.

The best way to get creative with your decking is perhaps to design it yourself. Treat it as a gardening basic before presenting your needs to the design company. If you are giving them a large chunk of money they will always be receptive to your ideas, and will look to work broadly to these while also adding suggestions of their own.

Photo Credit: Seán A. O’Hara via Compfight.

Videojug is a world leading website with over 6 million monthly visitors watching their 50,000 “how to” videos. The videos are short professionally produced videos about every subject, including gardening basics.

Creative Ideas for Garden Decking is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

The results of a new Harris Poll indicate that interest in the environment is in decline in the US. These “green attitude” polls have been conducted annually since 2009 and this year’s result are the worst yet.

In 2009, 30 percent of Americans described themselves as “environmentally-conscious,” and 36 percent said they “care a great deal about the current state, and future, of the environment.” In 2012, those numbers declined to 27 percent and 31 percent respectively. Further, there has been an almost 10 percent decrease in the number of Americans who said they were concerned about the planet they’re leaving behind for future generations (43 percent in 2009 and 34 in 2012).

Environmentally conscious consumer behavior seems also seems to have gone south. Americans are now saying that they’re less likely to:

• Reuse things they have instead of throwing them away or buying new items (65% 2009 vs. 61% 2012);
• Make an effort to use less water (60% 2009 vs. 57% 2010 and 2012);
• Buy food in bulk (33% 2009 vs. 30% 2012);
• Purchase all-natural products (18% 2009 vs. 16% 2012); and,
• Purchase organic products (17% 2009 vs. 15% 2010 and 2012).

It would appear that individuals are more likely to help Mother Nature “when the efforts also help himself.” This point is made in another Earth Day-related survey, which indicates that 75 percent of those polled say that they have saved money through greater efficiency. This study has implications for the greening of the Earth. If we are to be successful in transitioning to a greener economy, at this stage, incentives to do so are key.

Americans are Less Green this Earth Day is republished with permission.

American’s Are Less Green this Earth Day is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dear EarthTalk: I understand that there are a number of bills before Congress right now that seek to turn over public lands to destructive commercial and recreational activity. What can be done to stop this assault on the land that belongs to all the people?  – Astrid Cameron, New York, NY

Yes, more than a dozen bills are under consideration in Congress right now that seek to open up more of our public lands to development and resource extraction. Ranging from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to mining in the Grand Canyon to reversing the 2001 “Roadless rule,” they amount to what the Wilderness Society is calling an “unprecedented siege onAmerica’s wild places.”

Probably the most offensive bill is the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act, proposed by California Republican Kevin McCarthy in the House (H.R. 1581) and Wyoming Republican John Barrasso in the Senate (S. 1087). It calls for releasing tens of millions of acres across the American West and beyond from development restrictions instituted by the Clinton administration’s 2001 Roadless Area Conservation initiative (the “Roadless rule”) that set aside almost 60 million acres of public land as untouchable.

The bill aims to release areas deemed not suitable for wilderness designations—including some “Wilderness Study Areas” on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property and many still inaccessible areas within National Forests—from restrictions set forth under the Roadless rule. It directs these areas to be managed instead according to principles set forth under a 1960’s Multiple Use/Sustained Yield Act that allows for development and resource extraction on lands that don’t have significant conservation or scenic value.

The Wilderness Society is fighting hard against the new legislation, which it calls “The Great Outdoors Giveaway.” The group claims the bill would undermine decades of land protection work supported by the vast majority of Americans. “It gives polluters and developers, who already have access to 76 percent of all national forests and BLM lands, access to even more of America’s vanishing wilderness,” reports the group. “This bill is a blank check for polluters to ruin the air we breathe and water we drink.”

Some similar bills now before Congress include the Border Patrol Takeover Act, which aims to end clean air and water protections in natural or wilderness areas on or near U.S. borders; the Motorize Our Wilderness Areas Act, which would allow motorbikes, snowmobiles and ATVs into millions of wild acres now protected against the noise and emissions from such vehicles; and the End the National Monuments Act, a call to strip the President of his authority to designate new national monuments by executive order.

Conservationists aren’t the only ones opposed to opening up more public lands to the axe and drill. The 2012 Conservation in the West Poll conducted by researchers at Colorado College found that upwards of 85 percent of voters in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming support conservation and oppose more development on their public lands. No matter their political leanings, most voters polled believe that conservation helps create and protect jobs in their states and that private companies shouldn’t be allowed to develop public lands if public enjoyment or access is compromised.

Image courtesy iStockPhoto/Thinkstock.

CONTACTS: The Wilderness Society, www.wilderness.org; Conservation in the West Poll, www2.coloradocollege.edu/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewestsurvey_e.html.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Can we Save Public Lands? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

“The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental laws soon followed. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network (EDN) works with over 22,000 partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.” – Earth Day Network

There’s much you can do to get involved with Earth Day 2012. Check out these events or create your own.

Earth Day Network Events

Earth Day New York

Earth Day North Carolina

Earth Day Sarasota, Florida

Earth Day State College of Florida

Earth Day Los Angeles

Earth Day Latino

Earth Day Event ideas

Whatever you plan, plan to do something that honors Mother Earth…she’d appreciate it.

What are your plans for Earth Day 2012? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

It may go without saying, but it’s easy to talk about water conservation. As with any other fight worth fighting, sometimes winning involves the willingness to do a little more than just talk.

This is especially true when it comes to being a dedicated conservationist. There is no right or wrong level of commitment when it comes to protecting the world’ most vital natural resource; it is a personal choice that can and does turn into a lifelong journey for some.

While there are many careers that indirectly contribute to water conservation, there are some that put people on the front lines of the global water crisis. Below, we take a look at five general career areas that can get people closer to the fight for water sustainability.

Water Conservationist

Yes, it’s obvious, but it is also relevant and an actual career option for would-be water warriors. Water conservationists are well-studied in the fields of biology, chemistry, higher math and public affairs.

Water conservationists are sometimes found in the heart of the non-profit water conservation world, spreading the word and fighting for change, while others are found in science labs and universities. These scientists also often work in the field of natural resource management and agribusiness, advising local and regional municipal works departments on the best ways to maximize water utilities.

Hydrologist

Hydrology is the comprehensive study of Earth’s water systems; how water exists and moves in its natural state as well as how it is affected by the human population. Hydrologists have advanced study in the sciences, including geology, ecology and physics.

Hydrologists are found in several different industries and government agencies, and often focus on ways to maximize water utility through a better understanding of its mechanics, flow patterns, origins and rates of replenishment.

Ecologist

Similar to a hydrologist, an ecologist studies the natural systems of Earth, only with a broader focus that encompasses the entire environment. Ecologists study similar things as hydrologists as well as biology, microbiology and botany.

Ecologists may work for non-profits, in industry or with the government to measure and evaluate the impact of humans on natural systems and vice-versa. The contributions to water conservation may be seen in how they influence decisions that are made about water policy, or by advising companies on how to lower their ecological footprint.

Irrigation Specialist

Irrigation for agricultural purposes constitutes the largest use of freshwater in the world, making irrigation specialists key players in the use and management of water resources. Their courses of study include geology, hydrology and physics.

Professionals in this field are largely found in the agricultural sector, although they can also be found in niche areas like turf management and habitat management. Irrigation specialists can decide what type of irrigation method is best by studying plants, soil, land topography and other factors.

Farmer

Some farmers are also irrigation specialists and others are “just” farmers, but both have a great deal of responsibility in how they manage their water use. Farmers study agricultural sciences, which include topics like botany, geology and meteorology.

Whereas these other careers more often place their practitioners in a position that calls for a desire for conservation, a farmer contributes to water conservation more by choice. Considering how much fresh water is used for agricultural farming and livestock care, it is a very powerful position for a conservationist.

Rememeber …

There are a wide array of careers that will allow you to contribute to water conservation, and it’s very likely you can make a personal contribution in your current job. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the most difference, and when the issue is saving water every little bit helps.

James Madeiros writes for Seametrics, a provider of water flow meter technology that helps farmers, manufacturers, and utility companies to measure and conserve water.

5 Careers That Contribute to Water Conservation is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Will you do your part to share Earth’s resources with future generations? Take the “Think Small” pledge, here. It’s a small planet for 7 billion people and counting.

Also, organize a GrowthBusters screening Earth Day weekend, and follow our daily reports as we offer commentaries, interviews and videos providing insight into the predicament of humankind outgrowing the planet.

Dave Gardner has worked as a professional director for over 30 years. During his career he’s directed documentaries and other award-winning projects for a long list of Fortune 500 corporate clients and PBS. Learn more about his documentary film GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth here. 

Think Small: Take the Pledge is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag