Kenny Farquharson for Scotland on Sunday earlier this month drew the comparison between the name of Obama’s project and the NASA mission to emphasise the significance of the plans.

The project, as Geoffrey Lean and Leonard Doyle in the Independent on Sunday explained, aims to expand renewable energy use insulating a million homes and putting a million rechargeable “plug-in hybrid cars” on the road by 2015. As an extra incentive green car consumers will also receive $7000 in tax credits.

Proposals to create five million “green collar” jobs have come at a time when American unemployment is at its highest in 14 years. Peter S. Goodman for the New York Times showed that the figures for unemployment had risen to 6.5 percent from 6.1 percent after 240,000 jobs were lost at the start of the month.

Catherine Brahic in the New Scientist foresees Obama embracing the cap-and-trade plans where a limit is placed on how much of a pollutant can be emitted, so in order for a company to emit more than their limit allows they must buy credits from companies that pollute less. This initiative will overturn President Bush’s long opposition to capping the amount of emissions a country produces and be among many of the present administration’s weak policies on climate change that will be scrapped.

Barack Obama’s presidential win is generating optimism among the top ranks of green activism. John Vidal in the Guardian mentioned Rodger Schlickeisen, the President of the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, who welcomed Obama’s words stating that now is a time when we can look forward to a future when the health of our planet “will not be sacrificed to appease polluting industries and campaign contribution.”

The other main green initiative outlined in Obama’s manifesto - and most optimistic of them all - are plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions to the level they were at in 1990, vowing to cut 80% of emissions in 2050, matching Britain’s aims and outdoing Europe by 20%.

The first task for Obama will be to produce clear results when sending his green representatives to the UN’s climate change talks in Poznam, Poland. Will they be able to convince the world that his plans on climate change are changes we can believe in?

The work that the prisoners undertake includes building bird and bat boxes, constructing ponds and monitoring bird species from cell windows.

Thousands of prisoners are transforming jails into some highly important wildlife habitats, with some threatened species such as barn owls, kingfishers, adders and slow worms taking up residence within the prison grounds. One prison which houses prisoners whose crimes are as diverse as theft and murder, last year made more than 700 bird boxes from scrap wood. These were used within the prison grounds as well as supplying sites managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). They're currently working on an order for 250 more. In turn, the prisoners are being paid "pocket money". The project costs practically nothing as mainly recycled materials are used.

Obviously in the higher security prisons, the inmates can't wander through the tranquil landscapes they've helped to create but hopefully it gives them some feeling of self-worth knowing that they've produced a haven for such diverse fauna and flora as the bee orchid (an endangered wild flower), nightingales and brown hairstreak butterflies (which are a threatened species).

In one of these "convict conservation zones", the prisoners constructed beehives to provide pollinators for a wildlife meadow outside the grounds. These hives have successfully produced honey which, whilst enjoyed by the prisoners, is proving a huge success in the outside world too.

At an open prison, where prisoners tend have a little more freedom, two ponds have been constructed outside the prison walls which have encouraged kingfishers and newts, and a pair of breeding barn owls have settled in a nesting box mounted on a disused fence post.

Although this may not be an ideal solution and is hardly the "bread and water" environment that many would wish to see for those behind bars, it is nonetheless helping wildlife which desperately needs a lift, and if this type of work encourages just a few inmates to stick to the straight and narrow when they leave the confines of the tall stone walls and barbed wire, perhaps by pursuing training in some of our traditional crafts, then surely it must be worthwhile. So often we're told that prisoners sit in their cells watching telly and playing on games consoles, all of which are paid for by the tax payer, but at least these guys are actually working. Good on "em, I say!

It"s long been my belief that prisoners should be "encouraged" to work for a living rather than be fed and watered at the expense of the tax payer and this project seems to fit the bill.

Following a report that live events such as Glastonbury are responsible for around 75% of the whole of the music industry's greenhouse gas emissions, organisers have decided to take a greener approach to the famous festival.

The scheme includes giving out free biodegradable tent pegs made out of potato starch to all festival goers. As well as that, they will also be ensuring that all the food tents use wooden cups and cutlery instead of plastic, which is far more difficult and expensive to recycle.

At many of the music festivals this year, car share schemes are being offered to lower the amount of harmful gases emitted in just travelling to the events. Not only that, but a biodegradable two man tent, made out of recycled cardboard and plastic has been invented by young entrepreneur, James Dunlop. He has called his eco-friendly tent the "Myhab." And do not worry- it is waterproof.

Glastonbury has always believed in the eco-friendly ethic and has had "Green Police" in previous years who dress up in funny costumes and walk around encouraging people to respect the environment by cleaning up after themselves. Regular visitors to the festival will be happy to know that they will be around this year as well.

Unfortunately, encouraging people to be green is not always enough. A survey carried out by non-profit organisation A Greener Festival showed that 25% of all festival goers asked said that they would not recycle. And you can not make people recycle.

But some people are trying harder than others. Last year, over 70,000 music lovers signed up to the UK's I Count campaign to stop climate chaos and show their support and commitment to saving the planet by not leaving a trace.

Go to Glastonbury's official website for more information on the causes and campaigns supported by the legendary festival.

Boise says design specifications show that each home will generate more power than it needs-which is how they became net-zero energy houses. The power generated by each home immediately gets put on the power grid. Georgia power credits each home for the power it generates. Each home will use two thirds less energy than a typical house.

Each home is designed to a platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) level and the entire community will be platinum LEED-the first in the United States according to business partner Dan Downey. Attention was given to every detail, windows, doors and the 1,880 gallon cistern placed underground to catch rainwater. The third partner Denise Donahue has integrated the projects themes at every level. For example there was a "ground blessing" instead of a ground breaking. There are no dumpsters on this site because nearly all the excess goes back into use. One third of the ground was left to green space. The embankment of Crossville Creek was stabilized to prevent runoff. Monitors and sensors will track how environmentally friendly the homes will be. Developers are partnering with Georgia Power and Kennesaw State University to collect information for energy management and efficiency studies.

Donahue, Downey, and du Boise are non traditional in another way. Their company is called Cadmus Construction but it is actually a one stop shop of architectural design, landscape, construction and development. “We take ownership of doing everything to ensure the integrity of the project,” said Donahue.

The homes are on the market for about $750,000 each and have 2,500 to 3,900 square feet. According to Downey the first home has already appraised at $1 million. “We are trying to prove that you can profitably build a state-of the-art green home and sell it at the market price.” Downey says.

“We really do believe we can do these homes for the low-income wage earners so people don't have to make the choice of heat or eat.” du Boise adds. “We would like to start a non-profit organization to do that.” It is easy to see that these three visionaries have put their hearts into the project. As du Boise says,” We have put everything we have into it.

The project was named after Louis Weatherford, who originally owned the property. He was a gardener and farmer who recycled the seeds from the vegetables, flowers, and fruit that he grew. Every home owner will receive a bag of seeds from Weatherfords garden to continue the cycle of life.

Donahue said every homeowner automatically will become a lifetime member of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. (She's on the board.)

Combine all the ingredients in a small town along the Hudson River. Gradually add some knowledge, sprinkle in some volunteerism, and mix well.

This may be the secret recipe for the Town of Hyde Park, recently awarded two grants that will aid town officials, residents, and developers in creating an eco-sensitive formula for future planning. Communities throughout the U.S. and in the Hudson Valley are trying to find ways to balance economic growth with wildlife conservation by taking important environmental factors into account when planning new developments. To achieve this balance, a team of biologists and community volunteers will be spending the next year assessing and mapping the northern sphere of Hyde Park, New York.

“Hyde Park has high quality micro-habitats along our shoreline” and “has a large population of Blanding Turtles” explained Michael Dupree, who is Chairman of the Hyde Park Planning Board.

This study will be carried out in the form of a $22,815 grant from the Hudson River Estuary Grant Program, administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation, to identify and map areas and species of significance within the town.

“Very few communities can hire someone to do environmental mapping” explained Dupree who is “thrilled with the opportunities these grants provide”. The funding for this grant program is from New York State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

This project is being coordinated by the Hyde Park Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), which also plans to host seminars, connect with the local school system, and work with the greater community to establish their findings and build on what has already been discovered about areas of ecological importance throughout Hyde Park.

Town planning boards throughout New York State can require developers to obtain their own mapping and land assessments, which can be costly to both the developer and the town itself. “We are not trying to impede small developers” said Dupree, but “we are trying to educate ourselves” and “the mapping will provide a resource for the town”.

In Hyde Park, community leaders and volunteers are taking the initiative to find the harmonious balance between the environment and future development. CAC member Michael Rubbo, who carries a doctorate in Biology, has agreed to donate professional services to the project, which, along with funds donated by the Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee, comprise the Town's approximate $7600 required contribution. A 25% match is required for municipalities trying to achieve the Hudson River Estuary Grant.

“In addition to identifying high quality habitats, which are important assets to our community, the map will also show areas that areactually less ecologically important and more appropriate for development. Having this data available will expedite the review of development proposals and will enable the town to re-think our future conservation efforts,” said Dupree.

The town will utilize biologists from Hudsonia, Ltd. to identify and delineate essential ecosystems and to evaluate existing data including aerial photos and topographic information. Hudsonia's professionals will then conduct an on-the-ground examination of the terrain and wildlife. The second part of the grant comes in the form of education. Hyde Park has been selected to participate in Hudsonia's Biodiversity Assessment Training program, which will educate a team of Hyde Park residents on the identification of biodiversity resources.

According to the press release, CAC's Lou Lelyveld and Michael Rubbo, Planning Board chairman Michael Dupree, vice-chair Anne Dexter and member John Bickford will join Jennifer Rubbo of the town's Shade Tree Commission in learning about upland habitats, mating/nesting areas and migratory patterns for various species, particularly the threatened Blanding turtle. The year-long training will produce a habitat assessment and will prepare the team to document habitat types throughout the rest of Hyde Park in the future. The participants have volunteered their time for the training, (20+ hours a month being spent in the field), and a small portion of the funding covers other costs, including soil maps, and equipment.

Hyde Park is home to several unique habitats and species, including Northern Hardwood Forest and Red Maple Hardwood Swamp, the aforementioned Blanding Turtle, as well as wetlands and other inimitable ecosystems. Many of these surroundings are not fully protected by federal, state, or local statutes, yet are essential components of the natural environment. Planning and Zoning Boards throughout the state have broad authority to direct development away from threatened habitats, but few Towns have the resources or professionals to assess and then create an inventory of them. In other words, few communities have the funds to realize the ecological pearls they have within their boundaries and this marks the beginning of understanding: “This puts Hyde Park,” says Planning Board vice-chairwoman Anne Dexter, “at the forefront of such communities.”

This latest study, along with the dedication of local volunteers are pushing Hyde Park to the forefront of the eco-conscious movement, and how it relates to growth and progress in a world that is growing more green by the minute.

“The habitat mapping initiatives will greatly benefit Hyde Park,” explained Town Supervisor Pompey Delafield, “by providing complete, up-to-date information that we can use to set conservation priorities and preserve our natural heritage. This will be a major step for guiding the growth of Hyde Park in a manner that respects and preserves our major environmental assets. I am also excited about the collaboration among the CAC, Planning Board, and Shade Tree Commission that has made these projects possible and am thankful for the extra time committed by these volunteers for the betterment of Hyde Park.”

 

Like Something From Outer Space

The most immediately outstanding feature of the Aptera Hybrid is its exterior design. Balancing its earth-friendly design on just three wheels, this car looks more like a spaceship or plane than it does like a car. Its front tires sit in space-like wheel wells off to the side of the vehicle. Its rear end comes to a dangerous point. And it uses a unique camera system that replaces the rearview and sideview mirrors with cameras that provide information to the driver via a dashboard video display.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Car to Date

You'll be drawn to the new Aptera hybrid initially because of its unique design. However, what will really interest you over the long haul is that this car has outstanding fuel efficiency. There are two versions of the car - an all-electric version and a plug-in version - but neither relies on fuel as its primary source of energy. The actual fuel efficiency of the vehicle varies based on the type of car that you're using, the speed that you're going and the distance that you are traveling. However, the company claims that the car can get the equivalent of 300 mpg going 55 miles per hour.

Battery-Operated Cars

You will, of course, have to get yourself familiar with the idea of using an electric car in order to enjoy the Aptera Hybrid. Whether you use a plug-in version or an all-electric version, you'll need to get in the habit of recharging your car's batteries. The benefit to you is that you'll be saving on high gas costs (which are only likely to get higher with time). The benefit overall is that you're going to be acting kinder to the earth and promoting environmentally-friendly actions by driving an electric vehicle.

It's a Car, It's a Motorcycle, it's a Hybrid

The unique shape of the Aptera three-wheel car puts it in an interesting category. Although it's basically a car, it is being classified as a motorcycle because it only has three wheels. This means that it won't be required to pass the same emissions and safety tests as other cars in certain states. However, the makers of the new car aim to make the vehicle as safe as possible and have incorporated numerous safety features that would be found in a car but not a bike.

How Safe is This Crazy Car?

The Aptera hybrid has undergone a number of safety tests. It incorporates numerous safety features including airbags in the seat belts, an extended crumple zone, and certain body design features. It is believed to be a safe vehicle. However the regulations for this vehicle may vary from state to state.

Only in California

At the current time this car is only being accepted for pre-order by California residents. That's because Aptera is a San Diego-based business which is starting off small. Repairs for this vehicle are only available in California at the current time so it makes sense to keep their business there for now. However, the company is ultimately looking at expanding. They are also hoping to create a new mainstream version of the car which has four wheels and will be less confusing to introduce from state to state.

Be on the Cutting Edge

The Aptera hybrid isn't going to be right for everyone. Most people aren't interested in getting an all-electric vehicle that's not quite a car but more than a motorcycle. However, it does make sense for a niche group of people. These are forward-thinking people who are earth-conscious and interested in taking society to a new level when it comes to automobiles. If you've ever wanted to live that Jetsons kind of life, this is one of those things that can help take you there while incorporating the concerns of your real world into the experience.

You have heard the term “go green” everywhere, unless you live under a rock. And if you do live under a rock, you should definitely come out, because, the world is much more beautiful outside of your comfort zone. The idea of going green might have derived from the fact that plants, which play an important role in nature, are usually green in color. So, green becomes associated with nature. Going green could mean transforming biodegradable materials into goods, keeping environment around you clean, and saving light, or electric energy, since the world would just crash completely if they excluded electric energy.

Electric energy, itself, is in harmony with nature, but its production presents a major concern to the ozone, the air we breathe, and the earth's natural resources. So using less energy can slow down the rate at which natural resources are disappearing, because everything is scarce. There are many ways you can reduce the use of energy in your household. Studies show that when you set your A/C unit to auto, you save a lot of energy than when you turn it on and off several times.

Going green can also me that you have a little more money in your pocket after expenses. For instance, a family who turns off every light when they go to bed spends less money than another family who sleeps with the lights on. That money can be used for something else such as food or clothes, etc. You can additionally save more money on light bills when you replace your light bulbs with florescent bulbs, which are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.

Outside of the house needs just the same amount of attention, as well. Do you have a trash bin and recycle bin? Does that really matter? Well, in the long run, it does. Even though Trash Collection and Disposal Industries hire people do separate the different types of solid waste, it saves time and energy to do it yourself before it gets to the Solid Waste Plants. Those industries invest capital and use up resources just to do this simple task other wise you could have done yourself.

The machines we have created just tend to make us into couch potatoes. These machines are breathing in the energy that is scarce, and we want so much of. In return, they pollute the air that we breathe, making good air quality as scarce as anything else. Nevertheless, we just decide not to realize, and live an average American life. However, all that results in the opportunity cost of missing out on a chance to save our planet.

Many people died due to rebellions and numerous battles. In India the Sepoys rebelled when they heard about the pork and meat fat on their bullets since that was against their religion. They were easily dominated and many lives were lost. In Africa only Ethiopia was successful in keeping their land. All the others lost their homes and their lives. Europe was not careful as they should have been, and as a result killed many innocent people. All they really had to do was walk in there, show them how to build modern devices, and then leave. But they didn't.

Old customs and ideas were also lost. In Africa they split up different grounds with different cultures and put ones that don't agree with each other together. In China the new traded styles and new ideas completely left out the old ones, and the spheres of influence from other countries left no room for the old Chinese ways. Much of the Chinese and African culture was lost. Some people in India lost belief in their main religion since Christianity was introduced to them. Europe had stepped in and basically told them what to believe in.

All of these countries in the long run failed to modernize as well. Look at Africa; they may have plumbing and a little electricity, but they are really no where near Europe or America in technology. These countries still have to work very hard to get what they need. They have some advantages, such as schools and railroads, but these are still used mainly for cash crops. Other countries buy the resources from them for cheap, make something, and sell it back to them for more. These countries where beginning to find the roots they needed to advance before Imperialism came in and destroyed them all. They might have been more advanced buy now had it not been for Europe.

Imperialism has only destroyed what other countries maybe have had, and only turned their old culture and customs into what Europe thought they should believe in. People are not doing as well as they could be. They were better off before Europe came in and told them what to do. Europe took over their land, changed their beliefs and customs, killed many of them, and even enslaved some African later on. Imperialism has done nothing to help out the countries in need.