Grow Food Not Lawns

GEOTHERMAL

Wikipedia -
"Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from heat stored in the earth. This geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface. It has been used for bathing since Paleolithic  times and for space heating since ancient Roman times, but is now better known for generating electricity. Worldwide, geothermal plants have the capacity to generate about 10 gigawatts of electricity as of 2007, and in practice supply 0.3% of global electricity demand. An additional 28 gigawatts of direct geothermal heating capacity is installed for district heating, space heating, spas, industrial processes, desalination and agricultural applications."

Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly, but has historically been limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries. Recent technological advances have dramatically expanded the range and size of viable resources, especially for applications such as home heating, opening a potential for widespread exploitation. Geothermal wells release greenhouse gases trapped deep within the earth, but these emissions are much lower per energy unit than those of fossil fuels. As a result, geothermal power has the potential to help mitigate global warming if widely deployed in place of fossil fuels.

The Earth's geothermal resources are theoretically more than adequate to supply humanity's energy needs, but only a very small fraction of it may be profitably exploited. Drilling and exploration for deep resources costs tens of millions of dollars, and success is not guaranteed. Forecasts for the future penetration of geothermal power depend on assumptions about technology growth, the price of energy, subsidies, and interest rates"

Questions:

What is a ground source heat pump?

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems that use the earth’s fairly constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and buildings.

How do ground source heat pumps work?

Ground source heat pumps have closed loops that are be installed horizontally, vertically, or in a pond or lake.

The surrounding land area and  types of soil and rock at the site will help determine the most economical and efficient choice (system type) for the ground loop installation

An antifreeze solution is circulated through plastic pipes buried beneath the ground for closed loop systems. The fluid gathers heat from the earth and circulates it through the system and into the building.

During the summer, the system reverses itself and pulls heat from the structure and places it in the ground. This process creates free hot water in the summer and and produces a considerable savings on hot water in the winter.

Benefits of Planting Trees - Why Planting Trees is Important

Benefits of Planting Trees - Why Planting Trees is Important

"Advantages of planting trees in reducing global warming

1. An average size tree creates sufficient oxygen in one year to provide oxygen for a family of four.

2. Planting trees in the right place around buildings and homes can cut air-conditioning costs up to 50 percent.

3. Planting trees for the environment is good as they are renewable, biodegradable and recyclable.

4. If we plant 20 million trees, the earth will get with 260 million more tons of oxygen.

5. Once acre of trees can remove up to 2.6 tons of Carbon Dioxide each year.

6. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.

7. Trees keep in cheek the air and water pollution.

8. Why planting trees is important is evident as they are the natural
habitat of the animals and birds, as well as many endangered species.

9. Planting trees means more wood and paper products which can be easily recycled.

10. A newly planted whole forest, can change tones of atmospheric carbon
into wood and other fibrous tissue, thus reducing global warming.

So, start digging immediately if you have the means to plant a tree.
There are still too few of them to fully offset the changes brought
about by global warming. Automobile traffic, manufacturing and other
human activities are playing havoc with our environment. Reduce global
warming simply by planting trees for the environment."

June, 2014

Introducing the Most Spacious Bounder

Fleetwood’s ever-popular Bounder motorhome is now available with its most spacious floor plan to date, the 34T. With an innovative triple-slide floor plan, the opposing living area slides provide abundant space for relaxing and enjoying the journey ahead.
The Bounder 34T is ideally designed for entertaining with supremely comfortable Flexsteel furniture arranged in an opposing seating layout and a mid-ship Sony 40" LED TV. An optional electric fireplace provides warmth on cool nights, and LED lighting throughout adds to the ambiance inside. Composite tile flooring with cabinet side heat ducting also enhance the style and comfort of the Bounder 34T.
The spaciousness of the Bounder 34T continues into the galley with its ergonomic design and optional residential, French-door-style refrigerator. The private split bathroom with dual sinks features a large one-piece fiberglass shower with an integrated seat.
The 34T is engineered on the reliable power platform chassis with Easy-Store system. Also, the coach comes standard with dual-pane windows for additional UV protection.
The 34T floor plan is the next evolution in the Bounder family and is a perfect companion for every adventure with its abundant space, style and convenience.
» Learn more about the Bounder 34T

lighting Your RV

Lighting Your RigMay 21, 2014 by Cynthia Baum · Leave a Comment

 (originally posted on Good Sam http://blog.goodsamcamping.com/2014/05/rv-lighting/

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Whether you are looking to replace your light bulbs or upgrade your fixtures to something more decorative and stylish, there is much you can do to take your RV lighting to the next level.

First off, you definitely want to convert to LED replacement bulbs in your RV (if you haven’t already) since they have a much longer life span and reduce power consumption. Basically, LEDs last tens of thousands of hours whereas regular bulbs only last up to two thousand hours. This allows your lights to consume less power and also extends the life of your bulbs, just by simply switching them out with any of these great deals at Camping World’s online store.  The LED replacement bulbs provide brighter lighting which results in improved visibility throughout your RV.

A simple RV lighting upgrade can be done with new lighting fixtures throughout your RV. Check out Camping World’s latest sale for gorgeous wall sconces, globes, pin-up lights and more. One of my favorites is the Satin Nickel Swing-Arm Sconce, which is stylish and practical at the same time (as you can see to the right). Also, the LED Reading Lamp w/bulb for more than $10 off, which conveniently features a swivel head adjustment plus 155 lumen output.

For some fun outdoor RV lighting ideas, check out the amazing LED Solar Rope lights, which are currently $5 off at Camping World’s online store. These are extremely cost effective since LED lights last for over 100,000 hour and they also harness energy from the sun, staying illuminated for up to 12 hours at a time. The icing on the cake is they have an automatic on/off capability via the built in light sensor AND they cost less than $15 for 50!

With a few tweaks, some new LED lights, and a new fixture or two, your RV will be ready for your summer campouts. Your next trip will not only be well-lit, but your bulbs will see you through for years to come!

Micro House byTumbleweed

Measuring in at a massive 102 square feet, the cozy Weebee house by Tumbleweed will easily qualify as the smallest house on your block. Amenities include a desk, fireplace, bathroom, kitchen, and loft upstairs.

Living Large in a Micro House

RV'rs Chrismas Stocking

....saw this on a friend's Facebook page - gotta get one!