Archive for solar lighting
1,300 mile walk to bring awareness to SolarAid’s renewable energy project
Posted by: | CommentsAs you’re all aware Great Britain isn’t a very big place, the island that includes England, Scotland and Wales is smaller than any Canadian Province or many US states – it occupies about the same amount of land as Kansas. While it’s comparatively small it would still make for a long walk from its northeastern tip in Scotland down to the far southwestern point in England, a trip of some 1,300 miles.
An adventurous young man in England is going to undertake the walk to raise funds and bring more attention to SolarAid; SolarAid are striving to combat global climate change and poverty by bringing renewable energy options to some of the poorest people in the world.
Matt Jones to walk the length of Britain for SolarAid
The recent university graduate has combined finishing his studies with as much training as he could fit in recently to build his endurance for the walk. This Spring he trained by hiking 160 miles in 6 days along the South coast of England. He’s also been working to increase his body weight sufficently due the caloric battle he knows will result in significant weight loss on the trip. Each day will result in burning over 4,000 calories due to walking and he knows he won’t consume anywhere near enough calories to avoid losing the expected 20-25lbs during the hike.
While he knows the journey will ask much of him he is dedicated to raising the profile of SolarAid.
“I’m both excited and nervous for the immense challenge ahead. I hope that my expedition inspires people to help support the charitable work of the truly irreplaceable SolarAid.”
SolarAid has the broad goal of bringing solar powered lighting and other equipment to as many homes in Africa as possible to replace lamps that run on Kerosene and the reduce the amount of cooking indoors with raw materials. They hope their approach will improve the lifestyles, health and education of many living in poverty while also reducing the consumption of fossil fuels which so often is part of everyday life in these communities.
Please visit the SolarAid website to find out much more information.
Matt Can be sponsored via his page or follow his entire journey on facebook
Tags: Climate Change, combatting climate change, fossil fuel use, planet forward, poverty and energy use, renewable energy, solar lighting, solar power, sponsored walk
Ecofriendly living – 6 Easy Tips to use in and around your home
Posted by: | CommentsA Common Sense Approach to Ecofriendly living and saving money!
1. Invest in a barrel to collect rainwater from your downspouts. This water can then be used to water any and all outdoor plants.
2. Plant some native trees in your yard. By spending some money on trees, you not only shade your house so you can use less AC, but you also help to absorb CO2 in the air.
3. Rotate your car tires on a regular basis. Keeping your tires inflated to the right PSI and rotated regularly saves fuel.
4. Have a small yard? Why not try a push lawnmower. Cut your lawn while you work out.
5. Install outdoor solar lights. Instead of lighting the path to your front door using electricity, try some solar lights that charge all day and light up all night. There are some great ones on the market now. I recently saw some lanterns that were beautiful. Check out the picture on the top right of this blog for an example by Soji to see what I mean. Ecofriendly living in style.
6. When painting, choose low or no VOC paints. Volatile Organic Compounds are what makes paint smell so bad and makes it hard to breath. By choosing low or no VOC paint, it’s healthier for your home and yourself and the price difference is nominal.
With a little forethought and ingenuity great change can happen, one small step at a time. You just need a little elbow grease sometimes. It’s about rethinking ideologies and seeking out more pure, simple ways. Ecofriendly living is all about embracing a return to the basics.
If you have any ways to share, please feel free. We are always looking for new eco friendly living ideas!!
Tags: eco, Eco Friendly, eco friendly life, eco friendly living, eco-friendly lifestyle, energy saving ideas, energy saving tips, money saving ideas, planet forward, solar lighting
