A renewable-energy “oasis” which is a part of the Sahara Foundation project intended to be built in 2010 will serve as a proving ground for new technologies designed to bring green living to the desert.

The project is all about to build an artificial Oasis in the desert by converting sea water into fresh water, using combination of renewable energy source.

• Concentrated Solar power
• The seawater greenhouse
• Cultivation of algae

For instance, special greenhouses would use hot desert air and seawater make fresh water for growing crops, solar energy would be collected to generate power, and algae pools would offer a renewable and easily transportable fuel supply.In addition, planting trees near the complex would trap atmospheric greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide while restoring any natural forest cover that has been lost to drought and timber harvesting.

The planned research center, shown above in an artist’s conception, is part of the Sahara Forest Project—the center would be a small-scale version of massive green complexes that project managers hope to build in deserts around the globe.

These complexes could create food, fresh water, biofuels, and clean electricity while also offering local green employment opportunities, organizers say.

Before 1994, most toilet models used at least 3.5 gallons of water per flush. All new models today are “low-flow” and use no more than 1.6 gallons.

There are two basic kinds of toilets.

Gravity-flush toilets, which is the conventional ones for residential use and are less expensive and easier to maintain.

The other kind is pressure-assist toilets, which is best suited for commercial use. They are generally more effective in removing solid wastes.

Low-flow toilets not only save you on water bills, but also save the average U.S. household more than 9000 gallons of clean water per year.

But not all low-flow models on the market work well. To choose a well-functioning toilet, check the performance ratings tested by Veritec Consulting Co.

Veritec Consulting was founded by Bill Gauley, an engineer. Toilets that tested in the Veritec test lab all face the same technical challenge.

The company publishes performance results several times a year and it has helped revolutionize the toilet industry.

So check the Veritec Consulting ratings before you decide on purchasing a toilet. A low-flow toilet that works well will save you money and help conserve water.

Read more, click here.

Waste generated by home demolition and construction is huge. But if handled properly, much of it can be reclaimed and reused.

“Freecycling” is an Internet service for people to trade things locally. There have been plenty building materials being traded between members (free membership). Internet auctions (like eBay) often have used construction materials too.

Houses that are set for demolition or are under remodeling are good places to search for used building materials in your neighborhood.

There are often local companies or organizations who sell recycled or used construction materials at a fraction of their regular prices.

There have been a lot of progress in the technology to reconstitute construction waste into new products. Look for the construction material recycling programs in your area.

If you plan to build or remodel a home, make sure to hire professional builders who are willing to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Plan ahead to reduce construction waste. Practice deconstruction rather than demolition. When you do have some “junk” after finishing the work, try to find out who need them or sell on eBay before recycling.

For more information, including recycling resources, click here.

Converting free solarme energy into electricity to illuminate your landscape not only saves you money on electric bills, but it is also a very easy and effective way to reduce your dependence on fossil oil.

Solar lighting is an environmentally friendly option with low initial investment and no running costs.

Energy from sunlight is absorbed and converted into electricity that is stored in batteries. When it gets dark outside, the solar lights turn on automatically.

There are many types of solar light fixtures to meet different needs, such as garden lights, spot lights, wall lights, pathway lights, patio lights and motion-sensor lights, etc.

Solar lights are easy to install and requires no wiring or external power sources.

A good quality solar light, when fully charged, can remain on for 12-15 hours.

To learn more, visit here.

A conventional tank water heater always loses heat through the wall of the tank while hot water sits unused (standby loss). It can waste up to 20% of the energy if the water heater is a less efficient model.

On the contrary, a tankless water heater does not suffer standby loss because it does not store hot water. It generates hot water when there is a demand. It heats up water rapidly. In a matter of seconds the temperature goes from 50 to 120 degrees.

It is estimated that compared to a storage water heater, a tankless water heater can save up to 35% on the cost of heating water. Also using natural gas instead of electricity saves more.

If the water heater is installed close to a major point of use, it reduces heat loss from hot water sitting in the pipes when the faucets are turned off due to shorter pipe run. This could save a significant amount of energy as well.

Tankless water heater also lasts twice as long compared to conventional one.

Tankless water heater is small, easy to repair, long-lasting and durable. It reduces your family’s impact on the environment by reducing your energy demand.

To learn more, go here.

If you are building a home, or it’s time to replace the old siding on your house, consider using fiber-cement siding.

Fiber-cement siding has been around for a while, although their benefits just started drawing attention from builders and homeowners.

Fiber-cement siding is composed of cement, sand and wood fiber (often from recycled wood fiber). It comes in a wide range of colors, finish and styles that resemble conventional siding products.

Fiber-cement siding is a great green building material not only because of its  composition, but also its durability and longevity. It often outlasts conventional materials for decades.

Fiber-cement siding resists many common hazards, including fire, wind, rain and insects. It won’t rot in humid areas. No termites can undermine it.  And it is virtually fire-proof. Fiber-cement won’t release toxic chemicals like other materials do.

In addition to its durability, fiber-cement holds paint much better than other materials. It doesn’t need to be re-painted for about 25 years! All these contribute to its low-maintenance and low cost in the long run. 

Because fiber-cement is made of inert materials, even if it eventually ends up in a landfill, it does not endanger the environment.

To learn more, click here.

Although traditional concrete is a durable building material for patios, driveways and roads, like other Impermeable materials used in constructions, it prevents rain, snow and other surface water from seeping into the ground, which contributes to the decreasing level of groundwater.

Runoff water may cause floods and carry toxic pollutants into streams. Depletion of ground water may endanger certain plants and trees.

Fortunately, alternative permeable materials are available which permit water to drain into the ground.

A couple of the options are permeable pavers for patios, walkways or driveways, and open-cell concrete blocks for driveways or parking area.

Permeable pavers are solid, but allow water to drain if spaced properly. Open-cell concrete blocks are open enough in their structure to allow water through, while still strong enough to support vehicles. Spaces can be filled with gravel, sand or grass.

Another option is pervious concrete. It contains a lot of open spaces for water to flow through.

Two other choices are Gravelpave2 and Grasspave2 for parking area and driveways. They have a ring-and-grid structure resting on a porous base of sand or gravel for drainage.

Next time you build a driveway, a parking space or a patio, choose one of these eco-friendly products.

Useful websites: www.perviouspavement.org   www.paversearch.com   www.invisiblestructures.com 

For the original article on the subject, click here.

The Eco House

After having an ecotourism, purchasing eco-friendly gadgets by buying cell phone with eco-brands, this option sound a lot more interesting for you. 1000 green Steps had handpicked some beautiful design and came up with this stunning house. The Eco House is located in Spain, which has a roof line which sits wing-like above the building line. The roof form and distance from the building is key, it holds the solar panels at the correct angle to maximize effectiveness whilst also hiding them from view. A rainwater reclamation system will be installed and a photovoltaic system will supply the electricity to run a radiant heating system within the floor. Sounds like luxury, doesn’t it? It absolutely does to 1000 Green Steps.

Happy Green Living!

Just Like Our Green Idol: Brad Pitt

After having Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Lisa Simpson now we are having Brad Pitt as our Green Idol. Brad was twice nominated as ‘The Hottest Man Alive’ by People magazine. However, like many people say it’s the inside that counts. He proved to the world that he also has been hot on the trail of the emerging green-building movement, narrating a sustainable design TV series, and supporting Ed Norton’s Solar Neighbors Program.

He also has been leading an eco cause called Global Green USA’s Holy Cross Project, which is made to push the sustainable redevelopment of New Orleans after the Katrina.

That project will provide affordable-housing project, which will include five single-family homes, an 18-unit apartment building and a community centre. “What happened two years ago was a man-made disaster,” says Brad, “and this building offers a man-made solution.”

1000 Green Steps believe that with more people going green through their green steps, we will be able to create a better living place on Earth

Happy Green Living!

Earth’s Best Baby Diapers & Wipes

After having Eco-friendly cell phone, visiting Eco-friendly hotel and experiencing Eco-friendly hairspray, we have some more green steps for you. These are called Earth’s Best Baby Diapers. Suitable with its name, these diapers are Eco-friendly and according to some surveys done among moms this is the best brand. The distinct features Earth’s Best Baby Diapers have are:

• Non-chlorine bleached materials
• Contains natural absorbent material
  such as corn and wheat
• Super Absorbency
• Comfy stretchy refastenable tabs
• Latex-free, dye-free, perfume-free
• Moisture barrier cuff
• Breathable sides
• Non-woven inner and outer cover, made with plant based renewable resources.

They are available online in 7 sizes, and priced starting from $47.29 at Amazon.Take some baby green steps!

Happy Green Living!