cspanjunkie.org May 13, 2008 C-SPAN … congress congressman ted poe ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULB mercury Drug Submarine gitmo habeas corpus military cheney iraq
These days we gladly replace our traditional incandescent bulbs with these energy efficient lights (Compact Fluo Lights) which consume 3-4x less power for the same light
We realize how much energy we have wasted until now….
Now what about in 10 years? Is there yet another technology around the corner to consume even less electricity?
Latest white LED’s produce a lot of lumens per electric Watt, will they ever make it into a bulb to consume even less than today’s CFL? Will their color (white-blue) ever going to become a nice pleasant white?
PGE’s 1 million CFL light bulb giveaway … compact florescent light bulb PGE Premier Images CFL
Both lights are on three way switches and are the new CFLs. One of the lights did not start this until we put a new CFL in it, switching from an incandescent.
This is a CFL light using a ‘flip flop’, a ‘joule thief’, and a ‘Fuji’ disposable camera CFL circuit. I call it the “Flip Flop JT Lite”. The first circuit takes energy from a source and turns it into pulses. The second circuit converts the energy to very fast jolts of energy at an elevated voltage. That energy is then fed to an inverter type fluorescent bulb driver that is run by one AA battery. This was an experiment to see if this method could extend the run time of the light for a given amout …
Where to start
At a basic level, garden areas should be clean and clear of clutter, so prepare for a cleansing Spring clean-out and trip to your recycling centre. Beyond this, a range of annual remedial works might be required, for example a check whether the fencing and paved areas are in good condition? Are trees and shrubs neat and tidy? Are lawn areas green, groomed and refreshing or simply jaded weeded patches? Apart from the remedial works, the rejuvenation of the garden area will ultimately be achieved by the attention to details such as the lawn and patio areas, tree and shrub planting, as well as water features and atmospheric lighting. All these elements will collectively determine the value of the overall experience and how we enjoy the ‘outdoor room’.
Lawns – should be in good condition, evenly cut with crisp well-defined neat edges, weeded and clear of all fallen leaf and grass cuttings. Pale looking lawns can be restored to vivid green with the application of fertiliser. If problems are more serious and lawn is infested with weeds, consider replacing the old lawn with new roll turf. Whatever the area size, a well maintained level and groomed lawn makes a very
striking impression whilst coordinating all the other aspects of the garden area. A natural stone cobble edging (set in sand and cement and approx 25-mm below ground level) not only provides a practical mowing strip but clearly defines the lawn profile.
Patios – can show results of ‘greening’, particularly if they are located in north facing sites, which tend to be shaded and damp during winter periods. This greening, along with any residual grime, moss, and weed, can be removed by power washing, which will restore the stone like new. Also available now are very environmentally friendly stone treatments that can be applied annually to prevent the greening effect. For some added visual interest to Patio areas, a few strategically placed colourful planters can
have a dramatic effect. For optimum colour, it is probably best to use locally available seasonal planting. Other areas that would benefit from some colour include recessed areas which can be overlooked as well as driveways and entrance and exit points.
Fencing – can be in need of repair or part replacement of broken boards or panels. A fresh coat of paint will work wonders for the overall appearance. Colour here can be used creatively; use light colours for natural or discreet backgrounds, while an ebony black will emphasise plant forms and colour, and create a more contemporary and urban look.
Shrubs, Trees and Herbaceous Flowers – all require trimming and pruning. You should dead-head (i.e. remove) faded blooms and old flower heads; trim and prune trees and shrubs, especially low hanging or overgrown branches around windows or over footpaths. If there are obvious or unsightly gaps amongst the existing plants, consider carefully the importance of colour when selecting possible replacements. To bring out the best in colour and impact, consider planting in groups (block planting). Do not overlook the importance also of scent within the garden. Effective ways of experiencing scent throughout the garden include planting in patio areas, near windows and along footpaths. Popular scented plant varieties include Lavender, Rosemary, Santolina, Helichrysum, and Daphne.
Water Features – add a fourth dimension to any garden and there are a wide range of styles and sizes from which to choose. Although ponds require much more regular maintenance and upkeep, all water features should be in good working order and clear of any debris. Water features are always eye catching and because of the mesmerizing and soothing qualities of running water, they can be an invaluable addition to any garden. The best position for locating water features tend to be where people sit and congregate, such as the patio where all the beautiful sights and sounds can be enjoyed. With the addition of some architectural planting and subtle lighting, water features can take on a different role at night. Garden lighting that illuminates the water gently cascading over stones can make for a stunning focal point during darkness.
Garden Lighting – can be eco–friendly while illuminating select garden areas. Despite their low lighting capability, Solar lights only play a relatively small role. For more impact, albeit at low energy usage, the popular choice to light trees and shrubs are the energy efficient CFL bulbs and/or equivalent GU10CFL. Incandescent lamps should all be replaced with CFLs. For more general lighting, LEDs are increasingly becoming an alternative lighting source. Colour lamps can be used creatively to highlight particular plant forms. For gardens with large mature trees, cool touch metal halide lights, which are recessed at ground/soil level, can be used to up-light a tree with dramatic effects. Gardens are invaluable outdoor rooms for relaxing and living with family, entertaining with friends and playing with the children or pets. Before undertaking any major rejuvenation of the garden area, it is very important that the design clearly defines the area in terms of structure, form and character throughout the year. Ideally, you should consult with a professional garden designer before undertaking any drastic decisions. Otherwise any improvements might just be piecemeal and incremental and an opportunity for greater enjoyment and lasting satisfaction is lost.
Star Please
CFL OR INCONDESENT
Visiting the Green Ambassadors new facilities in Lawndale, California I noticed right away this program is driving Environmental Charter High School to be like no other. Maybe it was the compost corner and vegetable garden, or where they convert vegetables into biodiesel. Or the First Place award-winning ‘Floatation Machine’ made out 100% recycled products. Either way, this school is unique. I am at the home of The Green Ambassadors (Green Ambassadors website), which is an educational program from the Environmental Charter High School.
Sara Laimon, the magnetic Founder of Green Ambassadors gave me a tour of their new facilities of ECHS and Green Ambassadors, while still in the remodeling and upgrading phase. As the school is moving out of boxes, and organizing their new classrooms she explained the sustainable plans in store for this unique Environmental Charter High School. There is an air of excitement. As I peaked into the classrooms, students were busy with various projects. These students know they are making a difference in our world for generations to come. The Green Ambassador Program is comprised of an elective class taught throughout schools in Los Angeles area, Youth Summits, Green Mobile Embassy, Green Adventures and supported by Green Mentors.
This groundbreaking organization is beginning to explode. The green element of the program is so strong that even during our interview she was selling organic soda to students from her office. In fact we were surrounded by green solutions, hangers made from wheat, recycled binders made from paper, Forest Certified pencils, even donated environmentally friendly, bio-degradable diapers are stacked on her desk in the office she shares with her green partners. “This program is created to breakdown our cultural social paradigms and educate all. Especially the communities that suffer the most from environmental injustices, the inner city, who normally miss the green education on how to advocate for a clean, healthy environment.” Laimon.
Green Ambassadors, a project of Environmental Charter High School, is an environmental education program that empowers youth to become agents of change in their communities and the world. The goals of the program include: Educating and motivating youth, inspiring them to set a "Green" example through open idea exchange and social action; To create a learning environment that will inspire new thought, helping young people to develop confidence in themselves and their future; To network communities, share ideas and empower local and global environmental solutions; To create "Green Ambassadors" for local communities and the world, inspiring hope within us all for a just, sustainable and peaceful planet.
I asked Sara what’s the future you see for the Green Ambassadors?
With certainty she said, "For all schools to have Green Ambassadors around the world. Who are agents of change and the voice of the environment."
The Green Ambassador elective class at Environmental Charter High School is a required course for every student to take in their 10th grade year where students receive college credit from Los Angeles Trade Technical College. The Green Ambassadors have already been accomplishing their mission through their trainings in initiatives. These initiatives are implemented by youth who are committed to fulfilling Green Ambassadors mission, vision, values, and goals. The Green Ambassador program provides a different way of learning for youth who want to contribute to this planet.
They have been trained in the One Billion Bulbs Youth empowering youth to imagine the possibilities. With a goal of mobilizing the world to replace one billion standard incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs. Plastics are Forever is another initiative where youth empowering youth to create cleaner oceans by banning plastic bags and Styrofoam (polystyrene) in Los Angeles with Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Bring Your Own, Heal the Bay and other non-profits. Green Ambassadors are trained in Biofuels, Organics, Biodiversity, Remediation of our soil, and constructing buildings and structures out of earth friendly materials.
‘Floatation Machine’ made of all recycled products
"Sara Laimon has been a positive light within the sustainability movement for the past ten years. During her career as a classroom teacher, she has guided classes and school groups to create cob benches, convert a diesel car to run on veggie oil, create bio-diesel, and eat organic. Sara has traveled to Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Haiti, Greece, and Galapagos finding, sharing, and learning solutions. She is devoting her life to creating and nurturing eco-activists to be empowered to share the solutions of hope."
Green Ambassadors currently has two teachers. They are unique in that they are well versed in Environmental Studies. "They approached me with a huge desire for a huge change." Sara shared with me. The names of these incredible teachers are Sandra Valencia who is originally from Colombia, she has taught High School Spanish for the past five years at ECHS and Dorsey High School (LAUSD). She has been an environmental activist for the past five years working with the Los Angeles Biodiesel Coalition, Dorsey High School’s club Global Warriors. Gabriel Azenna, who’s statement is "Green’ isn’t merely a color… but it’s a state of mind". He adheres to a pragmatic acceptance that human beings may continue to prosper, but only by recognizing and embracing our integral duty as planetary stewards. Beyond the classroom, Gabriel is the Environmental Education Director for Next Aid, a non-profit organization his wife Lauren, co-founded in 2002. Gabriel also sits on the steering committee for the Coalition for a Sustainable Africa; a consensus-based network of NGO’s all dedicated to sustainable development projects on the ground in Africa.
Sara believes that the passion behind the people that contribute to our program stems from a satisfaction that they are investing into youth, that they see what they are doing is bigger than themselves and they contributing to the environment at the same time.
I was also interested in the ethnic backgrounds of The Green Ambassadors.
She explained they started with inner city children, but understand and promote that there is one world and we are the human race working together to create a planet where everyone can live. Therefore we have ‘Youth Summit’ where youth crossing gender, race, and social barriers and are collaborating as youth across the city and nation to inspire, create, and share solutions for a healthy planet."
“We are tired of the myths about inner-city kids and their apathy towards the environment!” What is unique about our Los Angeles Youth Leadership Clinic is that it is youth-planned, youth- driven and youth-motivated. Youth are driven to improve their local environment."
Spelled out clearly on their website; “Young adults are creating their own stewardship model by teaching each other, pooling their resources, strengthening their community vision and inspiring people to change. Youth need to see that they are an influential and vital part of the community. The youth of Los Angeles are the next generation of leaders. If they are not included in the community when they are young, they may not stay in the community to be the leaders of the future. These thoughts were recently expressed by Sabina Ibarra, a youth participant in the leadership clinic, Green Ambassadors, and a student at Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, CA."
In asking how Green Ambassadors improved their your local community? Sara reflects how they have demonstrated training for bio-diesel technology, community battery recycling, training local elementary schools on how to recycle plastics, to be a first in promoting city council ‘ban plastic in our community’, Awareness Day, and Earth Day to name just a few. They also are responsible for Southern California Disposal to switch their fleets of dirty diesel to run on clean burning biodiesel.
"Our strategy through all of our programs is to provide experiences for the Green Ambassadors to acquire knowledge and develop the skills that will not only help them in this program, but also provide them with real-world skills for personal, academic, and professional success. The students take the issue, research and develop solutions, and socially market the solution to their peers and the community at-large."
The Future
They have not stopped there. Green Adventures are cross cultural global exchanges. After a successful field experience to Brazil in April 2007 with Earthwatch Education, and educating the schools there, they have taken on a new horizon: Columbia. They are currently holding a fundraiser, ‘Support 10 students with the Green Adventure Program’ as they create Green Ambassador Leaders in Medellin, Columbia. Medellin has created several programs that aim to bring peace and environmental action through education. To find out more contact Sandra Valencia sandra_valencia@echonline.org or Sara Laimon at 310.214.3400 ext 118. Visit
(http://www.greenambassadors.org/initiatives.php#Green_Mentors)
They believe that ‘ youth identify an issue, develop a solution, act to bring about the solution, and educate others. The most important part is that young people are becoming empowered to make a difference and are, in turn, empowering other young people. This leads to a community that has youth that are knowledge, active, and know how to make a difference.’
Sara Laimon explained what their Mobile Embassy will incorporate. It will feature a multi-media station and hands-on learning stations on the following topics; plastics, bio-diesel, bio-plastic, solar power, and organic foods. It will be used as the showcase for Green Ambassador to meet, share, and exemplify solutions for our Global Climate Crisis.
With expert assistance from Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Bring Your Own, and a grant from Patagonia, the Ambassadors will transform a trailer into a Green Mobile Embassy (GME), a vessel housing models of green solutions. The Mobile Embassy will serve to teach students from throughout the region about the issues and how they can help to alleviate the environmental problems." As their site reflects. Jack Assadourian, owner of the Ha-Ha Cafe Comedy Club in North Hollywood (www.hahacafe.com) also donated two school buses that will be converted into biodiesel transportation for the Green Ambassadors.
Green Mentors
"The Green Ambassadors program also identifies and enlists ‘Green Mentors’ who are of college age or above. These Mentors work with the Green Ambassadors to support them in their learning of environmental issues as well as solutions to these issues. Green mentors are benefited by developing their interpersonal skills (empowerment, networking, and enrollment), knowledge (environmental and scientific), and ecological values (biodiversity and interconnectedness). Green Mentors assist the Green Ambassadors to focus on specific issues where students can create social awareness and measurable change."
If you are a teacher, administrator, parent or student, and want to be apart of Green Ambassadors go to: www.greenambassadors.org. You can contact Sandra Valencia (sandra_valencia@echonline.org) or Sarah Laimon at 310.214.3400 ext 118. Green Ambassadors 16314 Grevillea Ave, Lawndale, CA 902160 PHONE: 310.940.1626
There are several ways you can participate and make a difference in your school, community and planet. You can also go to the ‘Green Coalition’, a
"Green Youth Coalition connects environmental clubs across Southern California via www.becoolbegree.com to create a youth movement."
Green Ambassadors uses the EARTH CHARTER PRINCIPLES
(www.earthcharterinaction.org)
You can learn more about Green Ambassadors and their Mission Statement: www.greenambassadors.org
They have communities and businesses reaching out to be apart of this unique program. ExitSigns.com environmentally friendly exit signs are a zero energy emissions, zero maintenance, and is zero damage to the environment. Fundraising Green, The Coffee Bean, California Credit Union, 41Pounds.org, Fred Leeds Properties, Smokey’s Muskie Shop, Marc Laimon Jiu Jitsu, Steaz, Peak Organic brewing company, the Sustainable Group, Southern California Disposal, Seven-Star green event experts, Get Hip Get Green, Cuningham Group, Cater Green zero waste solutions, Biodiesel America, Luis Moro Productions and Algalita Marine Research Foundation are a few of the sponsors that have jumped on board. The Official Fundraising Partner of Green Ambassadors are; My Green Spark, Fundraising Green.
The Green Ambassadors left me with an experience of what is right with the world. No matter what your opinions are on the environment, the fact remains they are cutting back on waste. These students, instead of worrying about the plights of inner city school problems, such as gang violence; they are creating an environment for themselves today, for their future that will effect generations to come. Not only are they making a difference for their school, families, and communities, but they are spreading the technology on HOW to be green to schools across the city, states, and now countries.
I left the school inspired, and honored that these incredible teenagers are working on change for my future, and my children’s future.
Let’s start off 2008 powerfully, and create "Green Ambassadors" for all communities inspiring hope for a just, sustainable and peaceful planet.
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human eye and processed by the human brain. Visible light is made of seven wavelength groups. These are the colors you see in a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The reflected wavelengths are what we perceive as the object’s color. Reddish colors are produced from large wavelengths, greenish colors are from medium wavelengths, and bluish colors are from the shortest wavelengths. … CFLs CFL Light Color phosphors kelvin compact fluorescent CCT correlated color …