Funky Fuels | The Big Money:
"Algae
Because it grows quickly, has a high oil content, and needs only sunlight and water, algae looks promising as a source of both ethanol and biodiesel. It also serves as a filter for dirty water and as a carbon sink. Ideally, an algae farm could be located downstream from a large-scale farm or factory, where it can clean the water of pesticides, carbon, and heavy metals.
Estimated production cost: $1 to $2/gallon.
Prospects: Good. Algae is cheap and easy to grow."
That sounds like a possibility...
I remember seeing that a guy was doing this himself at home, on a small property.
I think this is him:
http://cleantechnica.com/2008/10/16/man-creates-homemade-biodiesel-from-algae/
And a Google search of homemade algae fuel brings up quite a few results including this video:
While that set-up looks interesting, I'm sure it has a long way to go before it produces fuel on a usable level. There are currently books on the subject, but I've seen the information selling at $100, and that's a bit steep for an e-book in my mind. That type of price-point online makes me trust it less for some reason.
And if you aren't ready for using algae to produce biodiesel (I know I'm not), then take a look at the setup in this video.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Solar Charger with Ipod connector
Solar Charger with Ipod connector - Bangalla Eco-friendly products & Australian Products Online Store:
"Popular solar charger for cell phones , Ipods, mp3 mp4,camera.comes in five different colors.
Carry a solar charger wherever you go and never loose a call due to flat batteries."
Not a bad idea to include this in your Bug-Out bag, or keep one in your car for emergencies. At $17, the whole family can get one.
If TSHTF and the power goes out for a long time, your going to want to charge up that Ipod to listen to 2/13/70 for a little rest and relaxation. In the meantime, this is a great way to lighten your footprint without lightening your wallet.
"Popular solar charger for cell phones , Ipods, mp3 mp4,camera.comes in five different colors.
Carry a solar charger wherever you go and never loose a call due to flat batteries."
Not a bad idea to include this in your Bug-Out bag, or keep one in your car for emergencies. At $17, the whole family can get one.
If TSHTF and the power goes out for a long time, your going to want to charge up that Ipod to listen to 2/13/70 for a little rest and relaxation. In the meantime, this is a great way to lighten your footprint without lightening your wallet.
Bug-out bag - Just what is it?
Bug-out bag - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
"Bug-out bag From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"A bug-out bag is a portable kit popular in the survivalist subculture that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit. The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, a boating or aviation emergency kit, or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit."
Typical contents
The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included:
* Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
o 4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day, for washing, drinking and cooking.
o Non-perishable food.
o water purification supplies.
o Cooking supplies.
o Cutlery and cups/dishes.
* A first aid kit.
* Fire starting tool (i.e. matches, ferro rod, lighter, etc.)
* A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
* Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
* Maps and travel information.
* Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
* Weather appropriate clothing (poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
* Bedding items such as sleeping bags & blankets.
* Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
* Pet, child and elderly care needs.
* Battery or crank operated Radio.
* Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
* Firearm(s) and appropriate ammunition, depending on local laws.
* Crowbar (weapon, building and vehicle entry, etc.)
* Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
* Fixed-blade or folding knife."
Thanks wikipedia!
I'd like to add:
A deck of cards, some reading material, and 5 high quality Grateful Dead bootlegs.
One of the first steps in preparedness is to anticipate the types of emergencies you will face. A Bug-Out bag is essential for comfort and survival over the short term in the event that you need to quickly evacuate your residence, regardless of the type and nature of the emergency. It would be advisable to supplement your Bug-Out bag for disasters in your general locale. For example, I live in Hurricane country. I would add bleach to kill mold and help with sanitation, a small chain saw and fuel for clearing roadway obstructions (maybe even tow chains if you have a truck), and large tarps for shelter from rains and maybe to temporarily repair roof holes. I would also consider doubling the water supply, as it is possible to be dealing with high heat in our area most of the year.
I think I would also include some barter items that may really help people out and be worth MORE than cash!
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts as to what to include and in what area.
"Bug-out bag From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"A bug-out bag is a portable kit popular in the survivalist subculture that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit. The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, a boating or aviation emergency kit, or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit."
Typical contents
The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included:
* Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
o 4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day, for washing, drinking and cooking.
o Non-perishable food.
o water purification supplies.
o Cooking supplies.
o Cutlery and cups/dishes.
* A first aid kit.
* Fire starting tool (i.e. matches, ferro rod, lighter, etc.)
* A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
* Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
* Maps and travel information.
* Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
* Weather appropriate clothing (poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
* Bedding items such as sleeping bags & blankets.
* Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
* Pet, child and elderly care needs.
* Battery or crank operated Radio.
* Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
* Firearm(s) and appropriate ammunition, depending on local laws.
* Crowbar (weapon, building and vehicle entry, etc.)
* Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
* Fixed-blade or folding knife."
Thanks wikipedia!
I'd like to add:
A deck of cards, some reading material, and 5 high quality Grateful Dead bootlegs.
One of the first steps in preparedness is to anticipate the types of emergencies you will face. A Bug-Out bag is essential for comfort and survival over the short term in the event that you need to quickly evacuate your residence, regardless of the type and nature of the emergency. It would be advisable to supplement your Bug-Out bag for disasters in your general locale. For example, I live in Hurricane country. I would add bleach to kill mold and help with sanitation, a small chain saw and fuel for clearing roadway obstructions (maybe even tow chains if you have a truck), and large tarps for shelter from rains and maybe to temporarily repair roof holes. I would also consider doubling the water supply, as it is possible to be dealing with high heat in our area most of the year.
I think I would also include some barter items that may really help people out and be worth MORE than cash!
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts as to what to include and in what area.
What is a Deadhead Prepper?
Hell if I can find a description on Google or Wikipedia!
Here's the deal. It's becoming more and more clear that being prepared for short term survival situations is a prudent move, if one expects to survive. It's becoming more common to prepare for long term situations. What used to be stereotyped as a uni-bomber, Ruby Ridge/Waco, gun-nut, Mormon, or at least right wing Ted Nugent fan activity, is becoming more and more mainstream.
Now I consider myself just a bit left of the mainstream, but not too far. I don't espouse views of a radical nature. I do not subscribe to any considerable religious views. I don't own any guns and I have done almost NOTHING to prepare for disasters. I don't even own an umbrella!
I would say that I'm a pragmatic humanist. If it harms none, do as you will. Or whatever works for you, man. I would say that I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal, to a point on both. I'm slightly hippie, somewhat pagan in that I find spirit in nature, I'm a bookseller and book collector. I'm a parent and husband, and I'm a Deadhead (active Grateful Dead Fan for those "In The Dark"). I believe the best form of government is self government and believe in what I call Benevolent Anarchy.
I've seen a lot of stuff happen in the last 20 years, and I've come to the realization that as a people, as the human race, we need to get our act together. The last experience was about a year ago. We live in Houston and in the late summer, early fall of 2008 we were hit by Hurricane Ike. Now this was my first Hurricane experience after moving from Tornado country to Earthquake country, and the to the Gulf Coast. I understand Ike was a relatively mild Hurricane, but it took its toll.
Luckily our family and our property made it through Ike without being damaged. We did see a lot of damage in our neighborhood and in the towns around us. Work stopped for days, power was out for about 2 weeks. Some people lost water and natural gas service as well.
I realized during that experience just how fragile our society is, and just how little it would take to knock this train off its rails.
I guess that's where my idea of preparing for basic disasters started to take hold. I had been somewhat interested in the idea before, but never really paid it much thought or took any action. I looked into Earthships and other sustainable housing, I investigated solar, I dreamed about harvesting rainwater, but no action came of these thoughts. I thought about taking First Aid courses, stocking up on food and water, and putting evacuation plans into place, but did nothing about it.
I did gather the camping gear in a bug out stash in the garage, but pillaged that during the Ike aftermath. We did go out and buy the only generator we could get our hands on, and a few 5 gallon gas cans. Luckily for us in that situation it was an unleaded gasoline generator and not diesel. Unleaded ran out first, but was replenished first, and was more readily available. I'll tell you, you can't run a lot on a generator, it's loud, and VERY expensive, especially when fuel becomes scarce.
I think a prepper mentality goes very well with a green, environmentally responsible mentality. It's natural in both mindsets to reduce your intake and consumption and live more simply. It's natural to reduce, reuse, recycle, or re-purpose items. It's natural to find more sustainable ways of living and surviving. And it's natural to do your best to maintain your environment.
So, I'm a Deadhead. I'm well grounded in reality, and I think we all need to be prepared for a variety of circumstances, from heavy rain to zombie hordes and alien invasion. (even if zombie hordes and alien invasions are a bit unlikely)
Here's the deal. It's becoming more and more clear that being prepared for short term survival situations is a prudent move, if one expects to survive. It's becoming more common to prepare for long term situations. What used to be stereotyped as a uni-bomber, Ruby Ridge/Waco, gun-nut, Mormon, or at least right wing Ted Nugent fan activity, is becoming more and more mainstream.
Now I consider myself just a bit left of the mainstream, but not too far. I don't espouse views of a radical nature. I do not subscribe to any considerable religious views. I don't own any guns and I have done almost NOTHING to prepare for disasters. I don't even own an umbrella!
I would say that I'm a pragmatic humanist. If it harms none, do as you will. Or whatever works for you, man. I would say that I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal, to a point on both. I'm slightly hippie, somewhat pagan in that I find spirit in nature, I'm a bookseller and book collector. I'm a parent and husband, and I'm a Deadhead (active Grateful Dead Fan for those "In The Dark"). I believe the best form of government is self government and believe in what I call Benevolent Anarchy.
I've seen a lot of stuff happen in the last 20 years, and I've come to the realization that as a people, as the human race, we need to get our act together. The last experience was about a year ago. We live in Houston and in the late summer, early fall of 2008 we were hit by Hurricane Ike. Now this was my first Hurricane experience after moving from Tornado country to Earthquake country, and the to the Gulf Coast. I understand Ike was a relatively mild Hurricane, but it took its toll.
Luckily our family and our property made it through Ike without being damaged. We did see a lot of damage in our neighborhood and in the towns around us. Work stopped for days, power was out for about 2 weeks. Some people lost water and natural gas service as well.
I realized during that experience just how fragile our society is, and just how little it would take to knock this train off its rails.
I guess that's where my idea of preparing for basic disasters started to take hold. I had been somewhat interested in the idea before, but never really paid it much thought or took any action. I looked into Earthships and other sustainable housing, I investigated solar, I dreamed about harvesting rainwater, but no action came of these thoughts. I thought about taking First Aid courses, stocking up on food and water, and putting evacuation plans into place, but did nothing about it.
I did gather the camping gear in a bug out stash in the garage, but pillaged that during the Ike aftermath. We did go out and buy the only generator we could get our hands on, and a few 5 gallon gas cans. Luckily for us in that situation it was an unleaded gasoline generator and not diesel. Unleaded ran out first, but was replenished first, and was more readily available. I'll tell you, you can't run a lot on a generator, it's loud, and VERY expensive, especially when fuel becomes scarce.
I think a prepper mentality goes very well with a green, environmentally responsible mentality. It's natural in both mindsets to reduce your intake and consumption and live more simply. It's natural to reduce, reuse, recycle, or re-purpose items. It's natural to find more sustainable ways of living and surviving. And it's natural to do your best to maintain your environment.
So, I'm a Deadhead. I'm well grounded in reality, and I think we all need to be prepared for a variety of circumstances, from heavy rain to zombie hordes and alien invasion. (even if zombie hordes and alien invasions are a bit unlikely)
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