MorGreen » Mike Lopez

Hydroponic Gardening

Mike Lopez — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 16:45:53 +0000

With the current price of groceries, the ability to grow your own tomatoes, fresh salad greens and herbs is especially desirable. With hydroponics, there is no need for a large space to grow your own, so there a large plot of land or even a yard, for that matter, is required. Imagine having fresh greens with no chemical additives as close as your patio or any spare space in your home or apartment, where you will set up you own mini garden. There is no need for soil, tilling and hoeing, as hydroponics plants are grown in water where the nutrients required by the plants are added.

Hydroponics are also a great way to get your children involved in a green hobby, where they will be able to see the results of their efforts and learn of the healthy value of vegetables and the beauty of flowers that they have played a part in growing while creating a passive educational event. There is a large body of information available to the home hydroponics enthusiast and many kits that will enable you to get started on this fabulous agricultural and culinary adventure.

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hydroponics—at-Home-and-for-Beginners/?ALLSTEPS

Hybrid solar oven can cook on cloudy days or at night

Mike Lopez — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:45:52 +0000

Solar power is actually becoming more prevalent than you’d think. So is hybrid technology. Granted, everyone knows about hybrid cars. They run off of electricity most of the time but, when needed, can run on gasoline. Solar ovens are very popular in areas where the sun is out most days of the year, but with a hybrid solar oven, everyone also has the advantage of being able to cook on cloudy days – or even at night!

Instead of relying solely on solar power, this new generation of solar oven enables those who love to cook outdoors to still pursue cooking great meals outside in all light conditions. By having electric powered elements that will run from a 120v power source, if the sun creeps behind a cloud, the oven keeps right on cooking. Here’s an awesome article that explains everything in detail so everyone can enjoy the benefits of solar energy to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying great food anytime!

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/combination-solar-electric-hybrid-oven-cooks-day-or-night.html

Self-filtering water bottle also acts as a flashlight

Mike Lopez — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:45:51 +0000

It’s always important to make sure that people have everything that they need when they go out camping or hiking. One of the best ways to do that is to conveniently combine as many of the most necessary essentials into as small a number of tools as possible. The self-filtering water bottle / flashlight combo device is a perfect example. When someone is walking at night and they feel like a refreshing beverage, it’s kind of a pain to have to have a hand free for just that. With this however, it’s no longer an issue. Of course, its usefulness isn’t just for woodland exploration – it can be of great use to keep the path lit on those dark nights coming home from work or a party.

For more information on this water bottle / flashlight combination device, please visit the link below.

http://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/self-filtering-water-bottle-also-acts-flashlight.html.

Why it’s so important to define “solid waste”

Mike Lopez — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 16:45:50 +0000

Many people cringe at the thought of the word “solid waste.” However, it is important to understand exactly what this term encompasses. It may seem that the term refers to any potentially hazardous material that could severely affect the public’s health in one way or another. Yet, under current law, the meaning of these two words intentionally excludes many types of hazardous materials.

The term “DSW” or Definition of Hazardous Waste was actually coined by the Bush Administration. If that raises red flags in your mind, you can be assured that it very well should! According to this definition, may types of materials known to cause cancer and heart defects are not considered hazardous waste. What this means in the real world is that it may be legal for companies and government agencies to dump these hazardous materials somewhere near your home.

The definition has been found to have a disparate impact on low income communities, where hazardous materials are commonly dumped for cost effectiveness and due to the lack of public outcry. Fortunately public interest organizations, like the Sierra Club, have challenged the DSW, prompting the EPA to take action.

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/energy-policy/hazardous-waste-next-door-importance-definition-solid-waste.html.

Plant-mimicking robots could help explore our world

Mike Lopez — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:45:49 +0000

The technological world has been growing in new and exciting ways for many years. Robotics have allowed people to analyze the behaviors of animals as well as simulate behavior in humans. The EU-based PLANTOID Project is developing and prototyping new technology that would allow people to study and simulate the behavior of plants now as well. The researchers have stated that their greater interests in these projects comes from a desire to analyze different functions such as (for example) their adaptive growth. To date, the project has developed two different root-like robots.

For more information on the technology and the PLANTOID project, click the link below.

www.treehugger.com/gadgets/plant-mimicking-robots.html

Is solar power mainstream now?

Mike Lopez — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 16:45:48 +0000

Solar power has truly moved into the mainstream. Many new buildings and homes are including solar power as standard in their plans. This is because solar installations generate power for the building or home rather than simply using power.

Today’s solar panels constantly produce energy when the sun is out. When the panels produce energy that is not being used, the system is able to supply this power to the electrical company. The electric company will pay you for this power. Plus, systems are able to store power based on your usual usage so that you have power at night or when the sun is not available. And, don’t forget the great benefit of essentially free power! Who wouldn’t the electric company to provide free power forever?

This is what solar power means today. There is no damaging the environment by using carbon-based electrical sources. Even better, the solar energy that you create with your solar installation helps others use less carbon-based sources for their power, too. There are simply no losers with solar power. For more information about solar power, visit our website, morgreen.org

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/renewable-energy/solar-power-mainstream-now.html

How to use a wood stove without burning down the house

Mike Lopez — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:45:47 +0000

Don’t you just love the aroma and warmth that a wood burning stove brings to you home? I am sure the last thing you want to do is have that same wood burning stove cause a fire. What are different things you can do to stop that from happening?

Well seasoned wood

Try to burn only well seasoned wood. Well seasoned wood will help eliminate some of the sparking that wood that is not seasoned will do. Also, with well seasoned wood, you will not need to open the front of the stove as often. Both of those things can cause sparks to fly and if sparks are flying, sparks can turn into flames and that is what can cause a fire to happen.

Ash management

I know that nobody thinks about this but ashes can cause a fire. Make sure your ash is thoroughly out and that there is nothing hidden and smoldering in your ash. Make sure you discard your ash in a safe place that can contain a fire if one should light.

Just getting into the routine of following these simple safeguard tips can help you enjoy safe, warm and healthy colder weather months.

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/energy-efficiency/how-use-wood-stove-without-burning-down-house.html.

Produce Delivery Services

Mike Lopez — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:45:46 +0000

Everyone is encouraged to eat well, but sometimes it is easier said than done. Fruits and vegetables are great to incorporate into anyone’s diet, but they do not have a very long shelf life. Sustaining a healthy diet means many trips to the grocery store, which can be inconvenient for many, and unfeasible for others. Fortunately, there is a way to bring the produce right to a consumer’s door! Produce delivery services are now available all over the country.

A produce delivery service is perfect for numerous people. People with disabilities, without a car, or for someone who lives far away from a grocery store. Some people may not fit that description, but may not have much free time on their hands. Whatever the case may be, it is now possible to eat healthy without leaving the house. Produce is just a click or phone call away, thanks to the many local produce delivery companies.

For more information, visit http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/5-online-sources-local-organic-food-delivery.html

Urban Gardens

Mike Lopez — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 16:45:44 +0000

Welcome to the Jungle… Is axle Rose stuck in your head now? Just thought I would break ground… get it break ground! Ok, once again my dry humor, let’s get started. So you want to know more about starting your own urban garden. Excellent choice, there is a surge in the demand and popularity of urban or community gardens. They are being started all over the United States in local neighborhoods, as school projects both high school and institutions of higher learning. They are a great source of organic and natural food promoting a healthier lifestyle. With the alarming rate of increased obesity in this country the urban garden is the way to go. Here are some fun tips about starting your own urban garden:

Raised beds are a good place to start your garden either on a paved surface or deck, great for roof tops or apartments
On your raised bed you can use large planter boxes which are great for planting tomatoes, corn, peas, greens and more
For water run offs a rain garden is good and fun to watch

Once again Happy Gardening!

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2012/05/29/491271/how-urban-farming-can-transform-our-cities-and-our-agricultural-system/

Gardening Basics

Mike Lopez — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 16:45:43 +0000

In your heart your thumb is as green as the Garden of Eden, but with your actual thumb not so much. No worries, in this blog we are going to hook you up, or should I say plow you in the right direction. “Plow you”, get it… well never mind the dry attempts at humor, let’s get started.

First you need to select a good space. This spot should be in an area in your yard where it can get plenty of exposure from the sun and not be obstructed from the rain. Next the soil is very important to this process remember good soil, good growth. You can have your soil tested to see what your dealing with exactly. Finally, decide what type of garden you will be setting up i.e., flowers or vegetables. Whatever your choice consider your seeds carefully. You can ask the store expert where you buy your seeds for some helpful tips on your selection as well as on what pest control to use.

Happy Gardening!

http://simplehomemade.net/5-gardening-basics-for-beginners/