Y-Green's Feature Friday: Aquaponics UK - Sustainable Food Production

Aquaponics UK is a not for profit social enterprise that provides support for the development of Aquaponics. 

What is Aquaponics? Aquaponics integrates the best qualities of Aquaculture and Hydroponics to grow healthy organic food in a local, sustainable manner.

 

The fish and plants are grown in symbiotic unison to achieve a balanced, closed loop system of agriculture, where the system feeds and waters itself. Waste from the fish provide nutrients for the plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish. Crops are constantly harvested and plant trimmings are composted in a wormery to provide food for the fish. The system is then surrounded with a greenhouse, where lady bugs and other beneficial insects are added to create a sustainable Aquaponics Cycle.

In this TED Talks presentation, Charlie Price from Aquaponics UK, explains the role aquaponics can play in the future of our collective food supply. He also provides insightful information about the applications for aquaponics. But more specifically, he acknowledges aquaponics as a new approach to creating sustainable urban agriculture within any community.

My conclusion, is that aquaponics will empower thousands of people worldwide to become more self-sufficient, and grow their own food for their household, and community. I also agree with Mr. Prince that aquaponics has the potential to create more resilient communities. 

Aquaponics can be utilized as a great educational tool for schools to teach their students about sustainable food production.

Aquaponics UK, proves that we can turn waste into resources, by transforming misused urban spaces into a commercially viable, sustainable way to produce healthy, nutritious food. The examples Mr. Price shows in his presentation also proves; that by growing food with a sustainable Aquaponics system. We can protect the environment, conserve valuable resources and grow healthy abundant food locally, 365 days a year.

The future looks bright for Aquaponics UK, and I'm convinced that aquaponics is a very timely and much needed sustainable method of farming that will help End World Hunger.

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."   

- Chinese Proverb

For more information about Aquaponics UK, be sure to visit their website and learn how you can implement Aquaponics in your own community. 


( Images provided by Aquaponics UK )

Solar Ink! MIT Aims to Print Nano-Virus Solar Cells

A team of researchers at MIT's Gleason Laboratory created a revolutionary new way to print Solar Cells. The five layer printing process, uses vapors and temperatures less than 120 degrees Celsius to produce simple, inexpensive solar cell's on paper, cloth or plastic.

It might look like a regular sheet of paper with an intricate pattern printed on it. But, as seen in this video that MIT posted: after the paper is attached to the multimeter via two wires and a light is flashed on the paper, the multimeter instantly starts to display the voltage produced by the paper cell! 

If you're wondering how this is possible! The Secret is in the Special Ink they use to create the printed photovoltaic cell, or Polymer Solar Cell. But this specific technology that MIT researchers are working on is new and MIT calls their Solar Cell "Organic".
 

• So why is MIT calling their Solar Cell, an Organic Solar Cell?  

"Organic" is a term with many meanings. Despite this, most people associate the word "Organic"  with "Natural" and this confusion raises two Very Important Questions:
 

• What exactly, is in this Solar Ink? 
• Is it Safe?

The Ink is said to consist of a special blend of conjugated polymers and organic solvents, but the rest is unclear. 

In their Conclusion section; Wikipedia mentions that the process involves "Nanostructures".

"Still, organic PV devices show great promise for decreasing the cost of solar energy to the point where it may become widespread in the decades ahead. While great progress has been made in the last ten years with respect to understanding the chemistry, physics, and materials science of organic photovoltaics, work remains to be done to further improve their performance. Specifically, novel nanostructures must be optimized to promote charge carrier diffusion; transport must be enhanced through control of order and morphology; and interface engineering must be applied to the problem of charge transfer across interfaces."

- Wikipedia 

In this case; MIT is using Genetically Modified Carbon Nano tube particles. This is the part that I found concerning! I love technology... But, when people start playing around with DNA, Nanotechnology and Viruses, it makes me very uneasy to say the least!

I looked into this further and found that MIT Researchers have in fact, Genetically Modified the M13 Virus, altering its DNA and attached it to a Carbon Nanotube.

MIT did so, with the intention of incorporating this Virus/Nanostructure into their "Solar Ink" because they believe it will significantly improve the efficiency of solar cells. 

Sounds like science fiction, but its reality! My source comes directly from the April 25th 2011 MIT News article titled "Solar Power Goes Viral".

I also found this shocking photo of what this Virus looks like via James Mulroy at PCWorld.

 

This Genetically Modified M13 Virus/Carbon Nano Tube, looks pretty ominous. 

• What do you think? 
• Is this genetically manipulated mutation really Good for Humanity?
• Or could it Contaminate our Biosphere? 

These are relevant questions to ask, but also questions that MIT should answer! Tampering with Nature has serious consequences, and to call it Organic is misleading to say the least.

In the future! If, this technology is deemed safe! People could print these solar cells in a manner that is similar to the one used to make the metallic lining found in potato chip bags; which can be created inexpensively, and on a large commercial scale.

It sounds optimistic! but, before it gets to that stage! I think its important to know how this special "Solar Ink" reacts in nature, how it decomposes, and if there's any risk of contaminating nature in any way. 

Another Question to ask, is regarding the viability and functionality of the technology itself, for instance: 

• How long could one of these solar cells last, and how resilient would it be?

To help answer this question; MIT researchers printed a solar cell on a sheet of PET plastic and claim to have folded and unfolded it 1,000 times, with no significant loss of performance. By contrast, a commercially produced solar cell on the same material is said to have failed after a single folding.

"We have demonstrated quite thoroughly the robustness of this technology. We think we can fabricate scalable solar that can reach record-high watts-per-kilogram performance. For solar cells with such properties, a number of technological applications open up."

- MIT Professor of Electrical Engineering; Vladimir Bulovic

Presently the paper printed solar cells only have an efficiency of 1% and Professor Bulovic admits the process requires more fine-tuning. Bulovic also suggested that; despite the low rate of efficiency, at this point, it should be good enough to power small electronic devices. 


My Conclusion: 

Printing solar cells with MIT's "Oxidative Chemical Vapor Deposition" method; appears to have the potential to overcome the shortfalls of the expensive, heavy, glass photovoltaic solar cells that are on the market today.

Applications would include everything from: portable solar power-plants, swim suits, jackets, bags, tents, umbrellas, wallpaper, window-blinds and roof-tiles.

The Possibilities are Endless... But! 

• Is the "Modified Nano-Virus" aspect in the "Solar Ink" Safe?

Before we tout this as a safe, viable solution to produce cheap, Solar Electricity. We should ask MIT the Difficult Questions, and proceed with extreme Caution. 

Its true that the results the researchers have shown thus far, are Amazing! But, as optimistic as it may seem, my doubts are regarding the "Solar Ink" itself!


The potential of widespread negative implications regarding the use of, and manipulation of, viruses and nanotechnology could severely out-weigh the positive aspects and shouldn't be overlooked.

• At this point, I'm not convinced of the safety of MIT's, Solar Ink! Are you?

Photo by Patrick Gillooly via MIT News 

(This article was made possible by a Generous Coffee Fund Donation from an Anonymous Donor!)  

Y-Green's Feature Friday: SPACE Canada - Space Based Solar Power

SPACE Canada (Solar Power Alternative for Clean Energy) is a not for profit organization dedicated to the promotion of solar energy from space. Their mission is to be a leader in the promotion of space based solar power, significantly reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and envisions: 

• A world that is free from the harmful effects of climate change/global warming
• A world that is secure; providing global access to an endless supply of safe, clean energy
• A world that is just; ensuring affordable energy to developing nations

Along with these noble aspirations, SPACE Canada maintains a strong set of values that are:

• Grounded in scientific principles
• Dedicated to social justice
• Open to creativity, innovation and imagination

To accomplish these goals; their mandate is to promote, support and encourage space based solar power through research, education and commercialization. They also facilitate international dialogue to enable individuals, organizations and governments to engage in dialogue regarding the benefits, safety and feasibility of space based solar energy. 

To engage their audiences curiosity and desire to learn about this innovative technology, SPACE Canada produced this video. 

 

It explains that space based solar panels could: 

• Absorb 10 times more energy than ground based solar panels 
• Produce energy 24 hours a day 
• Provide us with more energy than we need

 

These are all exciting possibilities and all-though they are not yet a reality, they could be within our lifetime. I also find SPACE Canada's aspirations to be more than noble! This kind of technology could create a paradigm shift, pave the way for more innovation and revolutionize the way we think about energy.

To learn more about SPACE Canada or to donate to their organization; be sure to check out their website for details. 

Scotland's 100% Renewable Energy Plan

Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond announced to the World that the new Scottish Government's 2020 Renewable Electricity Target has been raised to 100%.

"Because the pace of development has been so rapid, with our 2011 target already exceeded, we can now commit to generating the equivalent of 100% of Scotland's own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020. By then, we intend to be generating twice as much electricity as Scotland needs - just over half of it from renewables, and just under half from other conventional sources. We will be exporting as much electricity as we consume. So we will continue to work with industry and governments at local, UK and European level to build on what we have achieved. We will now move still further and faster to secure our place as the green energy powerhouse of the continent of Europe."

- First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond
  

In this video Mr. Salmond describes this plan in detail: Scotland possesses 1/4 of Europe's Offshore Wind and Tidal Potential as well as 1/10 of Europe's Wave Energy Potential. They intend on developing these resources to their full potential and claim that utilizing 8 Offshore Wind Energy Sites around Scotland have the potential to Produce 10 GW of Electricity by 2020.
 

So far Scotland has consented to 42 renewable energy projects, at 25 offshore sites. In addition to creating enough renewable energy for their own needs, Scotland is developing a Grid, and plans on Exporting Energy to other Countries. 

This sounds great, but one thing that really didn't belong in this announcement was Mr. Salmond's attempt to satisfy those in Oil Industry. In the middle of the video regarding renewable energy, he mentions that Scotland still has vast reserves of oil and gas, and is also setting firm goals to maintain and develop Aberdeen's position in the worlds oil and gas industry, especially the Subsea Industry. 

Mr. Salmond also mentions that he worked closely with the (Energy Advisory Board & the Oil and Gas Adviser Group). He stated his concerns over the Coalition Government's decision to increase taxes on oil and gas projects, and how this decision has hurt business in the Oil and Gas sector. He then joked that he will kick down the chancellors door to offer him constructive suggestions on how to repair this. I had to laugh, but some people could take that out of context, perhaps it's just bad humor? I'm sure he didn't mean it to be anything more than a joke.
 

Regardless, I hope Mr. Salmond takes the time to consult experts about the environmental consequences of Subsea Oil and Gas. A (BP) type incident could destroy their Fishing and Tourism sectors, not to mention the Health of the Citizens in the United Kingdom. Due to these factors, Mr. Salmond may want to cut the part about Subsea Oil and Gas, because it may taint his Renewable Energy Message.

Sandwiched in the middle of all this, Mr.Salmond explains Scotland's ability to store Carbon Emissions via Carbon Capture Storage. That research by the Scottish Enterprise claims (CCS) would add 3 Billion pounds in gross value to Scotland, and create 5000 new jobs. 

This plan includes the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) being the 1st Testing Facility to be Grid Connected, and in this announcement the First Minister noted: That a strategic agreement between the (EMEC) in Orkney and the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy in Nova Scotia, Canada was Signed. The agreement signifies a joint venture to Collaborate on the Development of Power Generation from the Sea.

It also has the potential to deliver 6 Billion pounds of investment to establish the Worlds only commercially leased Wave and Tidal projects in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters. The Venture is said to Generate 1.6 GW of Electricity, and help Increase New Apprenticeship Jobs from 20,000 to 25,000 in 2011, for the next 5 years. 

With all these exciting new developments, Scotland's Renewable Energy Future looks Bright, and the First Ministers statements regarding Scotland's desire to become a Renewable Energy Power House in Europe is a Breath of Fresh Air.

(Images provided by: Wikipedia)

Y-Green's Feature Friday - The Solar Impulse

 

The Solar Impulse is a single occupancy, solar powered airplane with a wingspan of 64 meters, and it's total weight is approximately 1400 Kg's. The Solar Impulse's 4 electric motors are powered by 12,000 solar cells, and the output produced from these solar panels is equivalent to that of a small motorcycle. The frames construction consists of lightweight carbon material, and it's power is stored via 400 Kg's of batteries which are evenly distributed throughout the aircraft. 

July.9th 2010; the Solar Impulse completed a 26 hour test flight and proved the plane could stay flying at night with the energy that its solar cells collected during the day.

May.12th 2011; the Solar Impulse team, set out to make the solar planes 1st international flight  across France, Luxembourg and Belgium.

12 hours and 59 minutes later; pilot Andre Borschberg, successfully landed in Brussels to complete the Solar Impulses 370 mile international flight and made Aviation History.  

The Solar Impulse's next flight is scheduled in June where it will be exhibited at the Paris Air Show.

(Images provided by: The Tech Journal & The Daily Mail)

The SEARASER - Harnessing the Power of the Ocean

The Oceans tides, waves and currents have the potential to provide us with enough renewable energy to power billions of homes worldwide. But how? Can this be achieved in a manner that's affordable? 

British inventor; Alvin Smith of Dartmouth Wave Energy Ltd believes he can, by utilizing his invention called the "Searaser".

"The "Searaser" is a wave energy converter that harnesses the power of the ocean and has the potential to provide renewable energy on demand."

- Alvin Smith 

The "Searaser" works via a center piston in conjunction with two floats; the larger float sits on the oceans surface and the other is held underwater at a fixed depth by an anchor chain. When the top float bobs up and down on the swells, seawater is pumped in both directions creating water pressure. This water pressure then forces seawater through an underground pipe that leads several meters above sea-level, where it can be stored in a holding tank. From the holding tank or reservoir the seawater can be released back down through a hydro electric turbine to produce renewable electricity, before returning to the ocean.

Mr. Smith claims 1 Large scale "SEARASER 1200" could:

• Pump 1.6 cubic meters of seawater per second
• Pump 136,000 cubic meters per day
• Produce 1 MW of electricity
• Power 1720 homes 
• Cost 2 cents per kWh to produce

With Great numbers like this; Why isn't the "Searaser" in full operation right now? Whats the delay?

According to this article; "Football scores a goal in mastery of wave power" It's due to a lack of government support. This is unfortunate because the "Searaser" has great potential, and among it's competitors, the "Searaser" may also be the least expensive to build. 

Here's an example of the "Searaser's" Potential! The World's 1st "Seawater Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant" in Okinawa Japan. (How Pumped Storage Hydro Electricity works)

Presently it runs on coal to power it's generators, but there's a better option; the "Searaser" could completely replace the facilities use of coal. Significantly decrease it's environmental impact, reduce cost and increase efficiency to produce up to 30 MW of electricity per day. 

The image above is a concept that suggests how combining the "Searaser" and  "Okinawa's Seawater Pumped Storage Power Station" could be transformed into a "Multi Purpose Seawater Power Station". It may sound too good to be true; But is it? Perhaps the real question isn't; Can we make this Happen? Perhaps it's more about; Does the Will to make this Happen Exist?

The information and data on Dartmouth Wave Energy's website regarding the "Searaser" and the "Multi Purpose Seawater Power Station" sounds feasible.

My conclusion is that "Harnessing the Power of the Ocean" is a:  

• Viable, sustainable solution. 
• Could power millions of homes worldwide.
• Help diversify the worlds renewable energy resources.
• Decrease our dependence on fossil fuels & nuclear energy.
• Help protect our health and environment 

At the moment, our ability to utilize such a vast renewable energy resource is only limited by a lack of funding and corporate willpower. It's not due to a lack of innovation or inventions that could harness the power of the ocean. It's not due to a lack of forward thinking people. It's about those controlling the energy industry delaying progress for the sake of profit. In essence, It's about greed. 

For instance; there is no other reason why countries like Japan shouldn't be utilizing the power of the ocean to generate their electricity right now! Not 30 or 50 years from now. 

Inventions and concepts like those Alvin Smith presents, appear to be more than viable solutions, I believe it's a step in the right direction. With sufficient funding, government support, and corporate willpower. Inventions like the "Searaser" and "Multi Purpose Seawater Power Station's" could become a reality. Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear energy and power millions of homes.

(Searaser images, diagrams provided by: Dartmouth Wave Energy Ltd.)  

TOMS - One for One Movement

TOMS is an ethical, eco, sustainable company that makes shoes for men, women and children out of organic cotton, hemp, recycled bottles and recycled rubber. But there's allot more to TOMS than simply being another eco friendly company that makes sustainable products.  

Many of us take for granted that we can buy the essential things we need; like shoes. But for some children around the world, shoes are a luxury they cant afford, so they go without.

This is what TOMS has to say about this issue:

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

• A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
• Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
• Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

- TOMS Shoes

This information from TOMS is very informative; But what are we going to do about it? Further more; What is TOMS going to do about this problem? 

Is TOMS going to give these children Free Shoes?

Yes! With every pair of Shoes you buy, TOMS will give a child in need a Free pair of shoes. Talk about inspiring, I watched this video regarding "TOMS - One for One Movement"" and it got me; Right in the Heart.

Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS shoes in 2006 out of the desire to help remedy this situation, and he is succeeding. He is succeeding because he made a conscious choice to make sustainably made products people need, for a cause that put's people before profit! Wouldn't it be great if other companies followed Mr. Mycoskie's business model. Even if a small fraction of other companies did this, the world would be a much better place.

I would go as far to say; Blake Mycoskie deserves a Nobel Prize.

Why? Because he found a way to build an ethical, sustainable, profitable company that helps people; help others, simply by buying a pair of shoes for themselves.

"One for One", that's a noble concept I'm sure will catch on like wildfire.


(Photo provided by: Toms Shoes)