Author: James Nash Title: A Critical Look At Al Gore’s Documentary Article: For those who saw Al Gore’s documentary, it was very convincing of its hypothesis that global warming is a man-made phenomenon that has the potential to kill us all and end humanity. After all, the film was filled with graphs and charts, so it must be true. Let’s just get something straight here, Al Gore is not a climatologist, meteorologist, astronomer, or scientist of any kind; he is a politician. And as we all know, politicians always tell the truth.

However, as Al Gore’s popularity grows and with his recent winning of an Academy Award for his movie, the issue has spiraled into a massive push for quick action and stifled debate, forcing many scientists to speak out and challenge the political status quo. A group of scientists recently stated that the research behind Al Gore’s film and in fact, the concept of greenhouse gases causing global warming, is ‘a sham’. They claim that in fact, there is very little evidence to prove that theory, and that the evidence actually points to an increase in solar activity being the cause of climate change.

In Gore’s movie, he presented evidence that was found in the research done on ice core samples from Antarctica, which he claimed is proof for the theory of CO2 being the cause of rising temperatures. However, this group of scientists state that ‘warmer periods of the Earth’s history came around 800 years before rises in carbon dioxide levels’, meaning that a rise in Carbon Dioxide follows a rise in temperature, rather than increasing temperature following rising CO2 emissions. And not only that, but it follows behind the rise in temperature by about 800 years.

The group also mentions that, ‘after the Second World War, there was a huge surge in carbon dioxide emissions, yet global temperatures fell for four decades after 1940.’ They also claim that the report given by the UN, which said it was backed by over 2,000 of the worlds leading scientists, was a ‘sham’ given that this list included the names of scientists who disagreed with its findings.

Michael Spencer, one of the first Canadian doctors in climatology, recently wrote an article addressing the issue of why no one seems to be listening to scientists who claim that global warming is NOT man-made. He starts by writing, “Believe it or not, Global Warming is not due to human contribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This in fact is the greatest deception in the history of science”. He continues, “We are wasting time, energy and trillions of dollars while creating unnecessary fear and consternation over an issue with no scientific justification.”

Then he mentions how Environment Canada is spending billions upon billions of dollars on ‘propaganda’ which defends an ‘indefensible scientific position while at the same time closing weather stations and failing to meet legislated pollution targets.’ Then Dr. Spencer brings up a very interesting point that everyone should take into consideration, citing that 30 years ago, in the 1970s everyone was talking about ‘global cooling’ and how it was the defining issue of our lives, our species, that our very survival depended on what we did it about it. Interesting, sounds like every Canadian politician.

Spencer continues to explain that climate change is occurring, but that it is because it is always occurring, it is a natural change that is a result of the changes in the Sun’s temperature. He explains that we are currently leaving what was known as a Little Ice Age and that the history of Earth is riddles with changes in the climate. That’s what climate does and is always doing, changing. Dr. Spencer claims that ‘there is nothing unusual going on,’ and that he ‘was as opposed to the threats of impending doom global cooling engendered as he was to the threats made about Global Warming.’

Dr. Michael Spencer later wrote, in commenting on the problems that arise for scientists who speak out, that, “Sadly, my experience is that universities are the most dogmatic and oppressive places in our society. This becomes progressively worse as they receive more and more funding from governments that demand a particular viewpoint.” He also mentions how he ‘was accused by Canadian environmentalists of being paid by oil companies.’

He concludes in referencing others who have and continue to speak out against the prevailing myth of man-made global warming, such as author Michael Crichton, who’s book, ‘State of Fear’, explains the inaccurate science behind the man-made myth. Another prominent name is that of Richard Taylor, an atmospheric physicist and a professor of meteorology at Harard, who often speaks out against the man-made theory, yet no one seems to be listening to him. James Nash is a climate scientist with Greatest Planet (www.greatestplanet.org). Greatest Planet is a non-profit environmental organization specialising in carbon offset investments.

James Nash is solely responsible for the contents of this article. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com

Author: Janet Davis Title: Your House is Clean, But is it Green? Article: Cleaning a home or business is often a ritualistic experience, and one meant to remove matter we deem as dangerous, unhealthy or unpleasant to those living or working there.

It All Adds Up

Think about what you do and what products you use when you clean. You spray glass cleaner to wash the windows and mirrors. You use counter and tile cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen. You use smelly cleaners for your oven and chemicals for your clogged drains. Carpet cleaner, liquid floor cleaner, furniture polish, dishwashing liquid, detergent, shampoo – the types of products available to clean houses numbers in the hundreds and often not a second thought is given as to what kind of toxins they contain.

Recent studies show, however, that using many household cleaning products could have harmful effects. Since the late 1940s, there has been a dramatic increase in the production and use of synthetic chemicals in the U.S. Coincidentally, there has been a rise in the number of cases of environmentally linked chronic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies and chemical sensitivity.
A recent report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that indoor air may be anywhere from 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Another EPA study concluded the toxic chemicals found in many household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.

But It Smells Good…

Often times, Americans equate clean with smelling good. Dish and laundry detergents, which are largely petroleum based and thus made from a non-renewable resource, often have chemicals added to them to make them fragrant, which can trigger asthma. Coincidentally, cases of asthma have risen 600 percent since 1980.

Many household cleaners contain phenols, which are listed by the EPA as being toxic and corrosive. Costs in the United States and Canada for treatment of environmentally induced health conditions are estimated at between $560 billion and almost $800 billion annually. And children are particularly vulnerable because their low body weight means they absorb a larger percentage of chemicals, thus putting them at greater risk.

There’s also the threat of poisoning, especially among young children, from common household cleaners. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1,900 people each day in 2006 went to an emergency room due to poisoning.

These chemicals can also find their way into nearby water supplies, polluting them and putting others at risk. Though they are known to be harmful, current guidelines only suggest exposure limits and not banning them from use.

There is a way to clean homes or businesses and keep people and the environment safe.

Go green and stay clean

Green cleaning is a term used to describe products and processes that get things clean while also protecting the environment and the health of those living in it. Because they do not use the toxic chemicals found in other cleaning products, there is less worry about harmful side effects. Going green is a natural way to keep living and working environments clean, without harmful side effects.

In the home, green cleaning can mean a safer environment for family members, especially children. In a business setting, green benefits include increased productivity, better morale and less liability from worker related health issues. Green cleaning can be ideal for nursing homes and hospitals because it reduces indoor pollution, and is becoming prevalent in many public places in this country and Europe that cater daily to a wide variety of people with different health conditions.

It’s Getting Easier

Going green and clean is becoming easier. Look for detergents with “fragrance free” on the label. Plant-based detergents, made from corn, palm kernel or coconut oil, are also available. This is better for the environment than petroleum-based cleaners because the plant-based product breaks down more easily and is made from a renewable resource. Furniture and metal polishes are also produced using mineral or plant oils, rather than dangerous solvents.

To clean drains the green way, first use a plumber’s snake to clear any obstructions, thus reducing the amount of cleaner needed. To eliminate the rest of the built up material, use green cleaners that contain enzymes to break down substances instead of chemically based ones.

Using green cleaning methods and products can maintain the health of loved ones, save money and protect the environment. It has not only become a viable option, but a duty to seek the safest way to keep spaces clean and healthy. Janet Davis is a health and nutrition entrepreneur. She and her husband are founders of MarkAndJanet.com, a website with uncompromising, premium products for your health conscious family. Are you looking for more information on natural skin care? Visit us at http://www.MarkandJanet.com or check out our blog at http://www.MarkandJanetBlog.com. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com

Author: Richard Vande Sompel Title: How to Choose Deck Furnishings Article: No matter how lovely it looks every deck needs some kind of deck furnishings to look complete. These furnishings give any outdoor living space a sense of style and create a feeling of it being homey and inviting. They possess a remarkable influence upon how homeowners feel about the space as well as how often they, their family members and guests use it.

Deck furnishings should in some manner reflect the purposes of the deck. Chairs for a deck structure that are adjacent to an intimate dining area should be quite different than furnishings on which children will play in an activity area. It is very important to think about the relationships that do exist as well as those that could exist between seating and lighting, grilling facilities and accessories. These considerations and the decisions made as a result will go far to reflect the outdoor lifestyle of a family.

Outdoor furniture is an important investment so it is wise to select durable materials that may be used during the entire year where possible depending upon climate. The following questions can be a practical guide in making wise choices regarding furnishings:

1. Is it weatherproof and will it last for a long period of time before it needs replacement?
2. Are the pieces sturdy but light enough to be moved around without difficulty?
3. Are the cushions and pads removable for easy cleaning?
4. Can the furniture under consideration be stored outdoors during the winter months?
5. Is the furniture comfortable and does its style fit in with the look of the deck?

Outdoor furnishings should be carefully chosen in order to be proportionate to the space occupied. If the outdoor room is small then use a round table as it takes up less space than a square or rectangular one. Within larger deck spaces, arrange conversation areas with groupings of tables and chairs or even loungers and side tables. Another good idea is to include a serving cart on wheels or casters. Be sure to leave lots of room to enable anyone to walk around the furniture.

Movable seating is an excellent choice for any deck. It comes in a wide variety of forms from hammock chairs, loungers and bar type stools to dining sets with cushioned chairs. Freestanding furnishings such as these increase the flexibility of a deck. They can be shifted around or moved out of the way in order to change the nature of the space. Everyday seating needs are generally done well by most deck owners. However,it is very important to consider additional types and forms of seating for larger social gatherings and activities. A stack of folding canvas chairs can be handy for impromptu events because they are lightweight and easily stored out of sight till needed.

Built-in seating may not be portable but it has advantages over freestanding furniture. It takes up less floor space than movable chairs. It can also serve as storage where hinged access panels built beneath seating cushions or pads can provide an entry point for storing items that do not get used each and every day. A trellised garden bench can be created to provide an attractive resting spot or conversation area. Raised planters and retaining walls can become bench substitutes when their components are built wide enough and low enough. So can freestanding stone walls where the last course of stone is wide enough to double as seating. Top the wall with pillows, cushions, lounge pads or even finished bench slats for extra comfort. If the wall borders a raised planter install low ground covers, perennials or shrubs next to the seating area. Place taller, more rigid plants farther back in the bed to encourage people to sit on the wall.

Combining permanent built-in seating with a portable table and chairs can make it possible to have a cozy brunch with a small group or use the space for a party occasion.

Built-in seating around a firepit, hot tub or spa can be a wise deck design decision while at the same providing extra seating opportunities for casual seating during the day and entertainment situations during evening hours. The same applies to built-in seating around a deck water feature.

Stairs offer another alternative opportunity for casual seating. In crowded settings where seating is limited a wider set of stairs will make a great choice especially if the steps are so wide that up and down traffic flow is not interrupted.

With such a wide range of deck furnishings and related possibilities available homeowners can do much to ensure that their deck looks complete and reflects the style and tastes of its owners. Richard Vande Sompel is a professional deck builder of 35 years and over 850
decks built and is the author of “How to Plan, Design and Build a Deck from
Start to Finish”. To Discover More About
Deck Furnishings and Claim your 2
FREE Deck Plans, Insider Report, MP3 Audio and discover everything to know about
building a deck visit:
http://www.DeckBuildingRevealed.com Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com

Author: Anna Stenning Title: How The Role Of A Carbon Consultant Will Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Article: Carbon footprint is a subject that has affected almost everyone in the UK. The level of carbon footprint released by an individual is measured almost obsessively with many companies changing the way they use their equipments and replacing much of their energy-sourced facilities. Many establishments do not know how to reduce their carbon emissions and often seek assistance from carbon consultants.

The role of carbon consultants stems from the concern of carbon foot printing, which has now become a cause for concern in homes and businesses. Becoming energy efficient is now a vital part of running a successful business, with many IT firms now opting towards reducing their carbon footprint. External agencies that specialise in this field focus on finding ways of helping a business run smoothly whilst becoming more energy efficient and without compromising the performance of the company.

Companies that approach carbon consultants are able to determine where they are using the most energy and where this needs to be reduced. These are usually done by taking sight surveys, this normally takes a few days identifying and quantifying the amount of carbon emission. At the end of the few days, the company is presented with a report of the measured carbon emissions, which will indicate what steps to take to reduce this. Calculating your carbon emissions is just the first step. Taking the initial steps to improving this is something that requires dedication.

Many companies find that the smallest pieces of equipment can consume a lot of energy. The main concerns for energy consumption is the number of computers used in an office and the amount of heat needed for a building. Once a company has undergone a survey of this kind, it can often be very difficult to change the way the office is running. Cutting down carbon emission could mean replacing equipment and changing computer equipment. This is a necessary task in order to maintain an energy efficient business.

The best way to instigate these new dimensions is to start slow and focus on one aspect of where it may use too much energy, reducing that down and then allowing time to adjust into this new system. The heating system is just one of the first things to look into as many people are accustomed to radiant heating rather than electric or underfloor heating. Radiator heaters produce a lot of heat but are also high on wasting heat, as this is stored further up in the ceiling rather than below where it is needed. Finding alternative ways of conserving heat may save you money and energy, without the fear of wasting energy.

A carbon consultant will ensure that you reduce your energy use in the right places, saving you money and improving your business prospects through your initiative to keep the company energy efficient. Anna Stenning has worked with carbon consultants in the past, in an attempt to become more energy efficient. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com

Author: Aydan Corkern Title: How To Get Rid Of That Nasty Cigarette Smoke Smell Article: It is bad enough when you are smoker and you notice how much your hands, hair, or clothes smell sometimes when you get a good whiff of it. Just imagine how bad you can smell to people who do not smoke. It will be pretty bad. The same is true for your home when you constantly or even occasionally smoke inside. The people who notice it the most are the ones who do not smoke to begin with or smokers who kick the habit and then have to live in their ashtray smelling home.

You could buy or rent a home or apartment that had a smoker as the previous occupant. Now, if you are a smoker, you might not really notice the lingering smell right away, but a non smoker can usually tell instantly if someone who smoked lived there. The smell that permeates the air and furnishings of a room will linger for ages and can be difficult to get rid of, but there are ways to do it.

Whether you have quit smoking and want to rid your house of the stinky reminder of your former stupidity or you have moved into a home where smoking took place, there might be extensive cleaning to be done even if it does not look dirty, even a thin film of cigarette smoke that might not be really visible on walls, floors, or ceilings, will still smell. Sometimes painting will get rid of it if is not bad, but cleaning is the best solution. Get a bucket, rags, deodorizing cleaner, and a few friends and get to work washing it all down.

Furniture and carpets can be a little more difficult since the tar in the smoke clings to fibers. Renting a steam cleaner might do the trick, but hiring a professional might be the easiest way to get it done. Once you have succeeded in getting rid of the smell, do not let anyone smoke indoors after that. If you have friends or family who smoke, do not be afraid to ask them to smoke outside or designate them an area where there is adequate ventilation. Most smokers will usually gladly comply with your wishes because they realize that the smoke is offensive to a lot of people.

If you are a smoker and want your home to smell clean instead of like cigarettes, follow these same tips for cleaning and smoking. Designating a certain place inside the home or better yet, only smoke outdoors, will keep the smell out of the house and might even be the motivation you have been looking for to quit once you can remember how nice things smell without cigarette smoke disguising it. Aydan Corkern is a writer of many topics, visit some of her sites, like
Water Damage Restoration and Chicago Water Damage Restoration. Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com