GreenEnergy FAQ, i.e. Frequently Asked Questions
>What is a Carbon Footprint?
It is a measure of the footprint, the impact, you leave on the earth. The more energy we use and pollution we produce, the larger our impact or footprint. Some believe carbon is a pollutant and causes global warming so we should reduce our production of it.
>What are the side benefits of reducing my carbon footprint?
Besides saving energy, reducing the pollution you produce, and slowing global warming, you can save a lot of money! Look at some of the ways we have identified that your can reduce your carbon footprint. Most will save you money.
>What is a fossil fuel?
This term is used to describe fuels that are produced by the earth by converting decaying plant and animal matter via internal pressure. This includes all carbon-based fuels: oil, gas, and natural gas.
>What about Hydrogen as a fuel?
Hydrogen burns but hydrogen is typically obtained by separating hydrogen from oxygen in water (a form of electrolysis) which takes more energy than the energy obtained from the resulting hydrogen. This represents a net energy loss just to obtain the fuel. (See also the water4gas or water hybrid cars (HHO) which use Hydrogen as a gasoline catalyst.) Natural gas fueled vehicles have a better story since you can recharge your tank at home if you have a gas utility in your area.
> What about the HHO (Brown’s gas), Hydrogen Cars
This technology injects hydrogen into the gasoline/air fuel stream as a catalyst enabling more complete gasoline combustion. Since gasoline doesn’t burn at high efficiency, it is possible that the increase in HHO/gas combustion efficiency could offset the power needed to produce the onboard hydrogen. In other words, if you add the combustion of hydrogen plus the increased gas combustion that could offset the energy needed to power the on-board HHO electrolysis system. As of this writing, the “scientific” HHO studies are still outstanding. For a more complete review see our HHO Analysis or see HHO Water4Gas Reviewed.
>Does converting to an electric vehicle actually reduce air pollution since I recharge from the grid?
YES! It is generally true that average pollution emissions from US power plants are less polluting than your average un-tuned fossil-burning car. Why? US power plant emissions include wind turbines, solar facilities, hydro plants, and nuclear plants that produce little, if any, emissions (carbon or otherwise). Plus even fossil-burning plant emissions in the
>How do I reduce my personal carbon footprint?
Transporting your rear-end from point A to point B typically creates a huge footprint that can be easily reduced.
HERE’S HOW TO REDUCE YOUR TRANSPORTATION CARBON FOOTPRINT:
Take public transportation, walk, or bicycle.
Tune your car, inflate your tires, replace your air and oil filters. Turn off your AC and keep your windows closed to reduce air friction. Wash and wax your car. You could see a 10% difference in mileage.
Next use a fuel system additive. To make sure your engine is clean and is working properly.
Next reduce friction by using synthetic engine oil.
Next get a car with higher gas mileage, a diesel, or a hybrid or
Next convert your car to natural gas. (see Natural Gas Vehicles)
Next convert your diesel vehicle to use vegetable oil as a fuel.
Save energy by converting your home from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs
Keep the door shut when the HVAC is on, even better, use a fan instead of AC or in addition to AC.
Get an energy audit for your home from your local utility or an HVAC contractor. This will show you ways to save energy like adding insulation, caulking windows, adding window film, insulating your electrical outlets, change out your windows and doors to more energy efficient ones, replacing old energy-hog appliances, etc…
>NEW: How can I build a solar or wind energy electric generator for my house for less than $200.00? Check it out here.
>What else can I do?
-Support public transportation by taking the bus and by investing in GreenEnergy carbon offsets. We support many public transportation system projects.
-Voice your opinion locally to support public transportation, walking path projects, and bike path projects that encourage people to park their personal vehicle and use it less often.
-Voice your opinion nationally to your state senator and representative.
-Voice your support for the T. Boone Pickens plan and others like it.
-Start your own Green Energy Initiative Business!
Go to votesmart.org and enter your zip code or address to find your representatives and how to contact them. Just do it.
---Live Well, Live Often ---
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