Sample Content Preview

Chapter 1

Introduction

We have come along way in developing societies that have electricity and the power necessary to fuel vehicles and for industry to be successful. All of these efforts though rely upon the use of energy source that comes from fossil fuels.

They are found in the ground and have to be processed in order for us to have that fuel and that electricity. They are known as coal, natural gas, and fuel. We rely on them way too much for our own good and that is why change is so important.

The problem though is that our dependence on it continues to grow. As more people are upon the Earth than ever before we are using more every single day. People are living longer too due to advances in health care. We are certainly a society dependent upon our electronic gadgets as well.

While those are all good things for us to be happy about, the fact that we are depleting the fossil fuel available isn’t. This type of energy source isn’t one that we will be able to replace. When it is gone it is gone and that is the reality of the situation.

It won’t all disappear during our lifetimes, but it is going to pose a problem for future generations. While efforts can be made to converse fossil fuels, eliminating enough of the use in order to really make a difference isn’t going to occur unless we take a close look at some alternative methods.

Society isn’t going to go back to using horses and carriages for transportation. They also aren’t going to go back to lighting their homes with candles at night. With the computer use around us in homes and for business it isn’t even practical to suggest we stop using the electricity that is necessary to allow them to operate.

We can often take for granted just turning the key and our car starts, turning on the thermostat to have heating or cooling in our home, and flipping a switch to give us the lighting we need in any room. Some people are also selfish as they don’t care what is going to happen for future generations as long as they have what they need right now.

Luckily, the majority of the population doesn’t think that way. They aren’t out to use everything they can without looking back. The problem though is that they often don’t realize what they are using could be a problem down the road. Even if they do, they may not realize that they have some other options they can try to implement.

Learning about the various types of renewable energy is a great way to get a person thinking about changes they can implement. There have been some significant efforts made in this area but there is still much more than needs to be taking place. Instead of being afraid of what is unknown to you, do your best to learn the basics of all the renewable energy sources possible.

The government of the United States has gotten involved in promoting renewable energy sources as well. They offer some great financial incentives for homes and businesses to you them. Even so, there is sometimes a high overhead to get everything in place. This can prevent many people from being a part of saving our natural resources even when they really would like to.

It is estimated that about 13% of our current energy is the result of renewable energy. With the money to cover the expenses, advanced technology, and a desire by society to continue using them we can see that percentage significantly increase. There are plenty of benefits to renewable energy too such as not harming the environment with pollutants.

If you are asking yourself why we don’t just turn to them now the answer isn’t that simple. In a nutshell there is still a great deal of research that needs to be completed. There is also the high cost to contend with as well as various disadvantages with each of the types of renewable energy.

If you keep on reading though you will get to this information as well. Then it will make sense as far and the big picture of what we currently get from renewable energy, what the limitations are, and what we can expect into the future. This will help you to understand the benefits as well as the drawbacks of the situation more clearly.

Chapter 2

What is Renewable Energy?

Fossil fuels are used to make energy we use, but once they are gone we will never get more of them. Coal, oil, and natural gas all fall into this category. They are used all over the place in high amounts so you may not realize that they are in limited supply.

These forms of energy have been used mainly because they are affordable and they don’t take up very much room to incorporate. They can be transported anywhere they are needed as well. With natural resources there have to be certain elements in place in order to take advantage of them.

Sample Content Preview

Chapter 1

Introduction

With all the information out there in the news and on the internet most people are at least aware of pollution problems. The issue is more serious in some areas but the fact remains that we all contribute to it. The concern is that with more people on Earth now and more pollution we are harming our environment.

Since we breath the air that is out there what is in it should be a top concern for each of us. Yet we often go about it without thinking twice about it. There are enough individuals suffering from health concerns due to what they have been breathing in for years.

With all of the pollutants out there right now, imagine what it will be like for future generations. You may don’t care must as you won’t be around. Yet you will have family who will need to deal with the problems. Even y our own children and grandchildren who are the next generations will be affected by it.

Each of us has the power to make some positive changes though. Some people believe that living green is a waste of time because you are only one person. Yet if the educational information out there about it could encourage many individuals to all do their part it would have quite a significant impact overall.

The efforts of only one person over the course of their lifetime will significantly reduce the amount of pollution out there. Teaching children from a young age what they can do and why will allow that process to continue being implemented in our society as well.

We also have the responsibility to let the government and businesses know that we expect them to take action. Buy what you can from companies that due have plenty of living green concepts incorporated for customers to take advantage of. At the same time you need to influence your government to place laws in effect that limit the amount of pollution that can be emitted by a company as well as by individual vehicles on the roads.

If you are ready to start living green and to do your part to reduce the carbon footprints you have placed on this Earth it is time to learn about the various ways you can do so. It is never too late to make some positive changes to your behaviors so that you can live healthier and so can everyone around you.

Chapter 2

Recycling

Recycling is one of the easiest as well as most effective ways that you can help the environment. There are plenty of different projects at home you can separate from your trash for this purpose. It is convenient if you buy plastic trash barrels and label them for individual products.

You should have one for glass, plastic, and cardboard. If you drink soda from cans then have one for those aluminum cans as well. Find out where you can take each of these full barrels to be recycled when you need to. There should be centers for them locally around town.

You will often find receptacles out there that allow you to place these items into at collection spots. They are just huge containers that will get emptied out on a regular basis. This is perfect when the community doesn’t have any other method for taking in the items to be recycled.

If your community doesn’t offer them you need to see what you can do to get them in place. You can contact your local officials in person or with a letter asking them to consider offering them. Explain your concerns that without such receptacles in place people won’t be encouraged to recycle in your area.

The concept of recycling can extend to your schools and place of employment as well. Do your best to get this important issue recognized everywhere you can. In
many instances people just need to be educated and then reminded about the benefits of recycling for our environment.

Your information can motivate them to take part in it. Don’t overlook the importance of letting children know either. They are often very excited by recycling and find it to be thrilling. They can often help encourage their parents to take part in such efforts as well.

Buying products that have been recycled such as paper products is a great way to show your support for these efforts. You will notice some greeting cards are made from them. Even supplies such as napkins used in fast food restaurants can be made from recycled paper.

It is also very simple to carry around a large mesh bag when you are going to shop for a few items. Rather than getting a paper or plastic bag from them you can place your purchased items into your own bag. Look for one that is durable so it you can reuse it over and over again.

Sample Content Preview

Chapter 1: What the Stock Market is All About

In any business or moneymaking venture, preparation and foreknowledge are the keys to success. Without this sort of insight, the attempt to make a profitable financial decision can only end in disaster and failure, regardless of your level of motivation and determination or the amount of money you plan to invest.

In the stock market, this rule applies to the nth degree, as you are investing your own money in what could be considered a high risk wager, and you are playing with fire if you do not have at least a general background knowledge of how it functions. Since having a background in any area is helpful in guiding you down a path in that particular region, the more solid your basis of investment knowledge is, the more likely you are to profit from any attempt to trade on the open market.

In many ways, trading on the stock market can be compared to driving – you do not have to be an expert to get behind the wheel of a car, though you are expected to have some previous knowledge about basic traffic laws, including moving violations, safety regulations, and other legal vehicular infractions, which are learned through either specific study and coursework or even through some form of simple exposure (such as the years you have spent riding with your parents and others who have driven for years). You should be able to comprehend the basic tools used to navigate a car (where the break pedal is located versus the gas, and how to use the rearview mirror, for example), even if you have never touched a steering wheel.

The same is true in entering the world of the stock market. While you do not have to know all the terminology (you will not be short selling or determining your own long and short positions at first, so you do not have to understand these references completely, though you should be aware of them), you should certainly be versed in the basic functionality of trading stocks, bonds, securities, and other commodities. And just like someone who is behind the wheel of a car and getting ready to touch the gas pedal for the first time, you should start out with caution and work your way in slowly. A first time driver will first set the mirrors to his or her own liking, then put the car in gear, look for any interfering traffic, and ease onto the gas pedal, never flooring it and testing the engine coming out of the gate on the first attempt. Likewise, when you select your first investment, you should choose something stable with little fluctuation and not invest a large sum of money on this first venture.

When a person is learning to drive, he or she will be accompanied by another individual who is more experienced and can assist them in making better driving decisions and offering corrections that will aid in learning to handle the car more efficiently. In the stock market, there are stockbrokers and other experts who can give you input and advice to help you in building your knowledge of the commodities in which you are interested, essentially “steering” you toward better stock market buying and selling decisions.

You could spend hours and hours researching the stock market and its functionality, learning how to become involved in the trade and who to contact to get in the game, especially if your interest lies in the Foreign Exchange Market, which goes far beyond the level of complication of the domestic stock market. However, in this book, you will find all the basic information you need to get started down the path to trading success. All of the leg work and tough research has been done for you, collecting the data and knowledge into one source from which you can gain enough insight to make you a successful trader on the open market. All you have to do is read in order to gain knowledge and wisdom, step by step that will bring you to a heady level of success. In this ebook, you will find all such helpful information, all brought together in one single source for ease of reference.

How Investment Works

Any time you are going to be putting your money into a fund; it is a good idea to start by understanding what you are buying into. The stock market is a complicated entity, and doing minimal business in trading requires a fair amount of basic knowledge, as well as the understanding and acceptance of the high risk factor. The more you know in advance regarding the functionality of the system, the less likely it is that you will take a heavy hit, ending in devastating loss.

First of all and probably most important in the trading business, you should understand what stocks actually are. When you buy or sell a stock on the open market, you should keep in mind that you are dealing with real objects, not pieces of paper; you are buying and selling real parts of a particular company, its product, or some other various commodity.

Owning a “share” means that you have actually bought into the company or product involved and become a partial owner of that commodity. Of course, you could be one of millions of shareholders, as most companies and products are broken into minute pieces of the whole, but you are still considered an investor in that company or product until you sell your shares.

Sample Content Preview

Chapter 1

Introduction

If you aren’t familiar with hypermiling you should look into what it is all about. Chances are you will be hearing that term floating around quite a bit. It is a way for you to be able to cut back on the amount of fuel you consume.

Since most of us rely upon our vehicle to get us around we need to make it go further with less fuel being consumed. You may be thinking that you are already doing all you can to cut costs. You are watching the prices at the pumps and you are cutting back on when and where you drive. You may be frustrated about all of it as well.

This is because it simply isn’t always possible to cut down on the amount that you use your vehicle. You can’t change how far it is to your place of employment due to gas prices. Getting another job closer may not be possible. At the same time you may really like the job you have.

There is also the pay to consider as a new job may start you out at less than you make right now. With the economy being as low as it is right now, the job market is difficult as well. It is understandable that you may be worried about a lay off or not being needed at a particular job site. If you have been at one place for a while there is some job security in that.

You also have your other commitments such as getting kids to school, grocery shopping, and running errands. While you can arrange things to flow better you still won’t be able to completely cut these needs out of your schedule.

get way more, for way less!

It just isn’t realistic to expect anyone to blow off all of the other things going on in their life because they can’t pay for the high cost of fuel. If you still want to be able to enjoy those things then pay attention to the various hypermiling methods. They can really help you even if you aren’t sure at this time. Gas is going to be consumed no matter where you go and what you do. If you take your vehicle there it will be an additional expense to consider.

Carpooling isn’t always a practical solution either when you have so many things going on. People tend to overextend themselves so having your own car is often necessary in order to be able to successfully get it all done. If you have a work schedule that varies it is even harder to carpool. Try to do it if possible though even a couple of days per week.

With the outlook for the economy being quite grim right now, consumers are at the mercy of oil prices when the approach the pumps. Since the government isn’t able to offer us the relief we need it is up to each of us to do something. You can sit around and complain about how much you pay per gallon for gas or you can be more efficient.

The government has made some efforts though by offering information about hypermiling on various websites. It is a good idea to take a look at that information so you can see for yourself that it is substantial material. In many ways this is a service the government is offering to help the average person be able to get by in light of the increases in prices.

Once you finish reading this you will have plenty of information about hypermiling. You will be able to implement a strategy that works so you can get the most out of it. This way you can make your car go further with less gas. That means more money in your pocket instead of being placed in order for you to get around.

get way more, for way less!

You should be able to start implementing many of them in very little time at all. Make sure you review the list of hypermiling strategies on a regular basis though. If you aren’t effectively practicing certain ones you may end up forgetting about them. Should that happen you won’t be able to get as much savings as you could.
get way more, for way less!

Sample Content Preview

Introduction

Whether you are married or single, taking charge of your overall finances may feel like a part-time job. Some easy ideas can help you streamline your time, organize your finances, and reduce the stress of debt and overall money matters.

Debt Management

Chapter 1:

Keep all your Papers Fully Organized

Synopsis

When the mail arrives, make certain it goes in one place. Lost bills can be the cause of uninvited late fees and may damage your credit rating. Whether it’s a drawer, a box, or a file, be ordered and make certain other people in the household do the same. Size is likewise important. If you get a lot of mail, utilize an area that won’t get filled up too fast.

Make It Neat

Your bills come every month whether you wish them to or not. Setting them in a cubby hole somewhere and dealing with them later may lead you to draw a blank about their maturity date. When this occurs you wind up being forced to pay a late fee. If you're willing to get organized, you are able to get your bills paid on time and never have to fret about incurring a late fee. This might take a little bit of time to set up, but only a couple of extra minutes per week to sustain.

Make sure you open your bills. A lot of bills come with unneeded inserts that just take up room in the place where you store your bills. Take out any inserts and recycle them with the outer envelope at once. This keeps clutter from stacking up and taking your focus off of the bill itself. Now take the bill and put it under the fold of the return envelope.

You are able to label 4 plastic bins so that each one makes up a week of the month. You are able to simply label them "Week 1," "Week 2," "Week 3," and "Week 4." Now take your prepared bills and find out the maturity date. If the maturity date is the 8th of the month, the bill goes in the week 2 bin. If the maturity date is the twentieth, the bill goes in the bin for week 3.

Do this with all of your bills and then place the bins on top of one another in order. When week 1 rolls around, take your bills out and pay them. Then put the bin on the bottom of the pile so that the week 2 bills are ready for you the next week.

Finally once your bills are paid, you nevertheless have your financial statements to deal with. You want to keep them coordinated as well so that you are able to quickly locate them if you need to.

Buy a thirteen pocket file folder. Mark the first twelve pockets with the calendar months of the year. The last pocket can be marked "taxes." Place your monthly financial statements into the pocket for that certain month.

When the year is complete, you are able to label the file folder with the year on the front and store it just in case you ever get audited.

Chapter 2:

Learn Money Management Tactics to Stay on Schedule

Synopsis

Bill paying may be simplified if it’s done at scheduled times during the month as we discussed. Depending upon how many bills you get, you are able to establish set times monthly so none of your bills will be late. If you’re paying bills as you receive them, chances are you’re spending a bit much time in front of the checkbook. Although bills might say “Payable Upon Receipt”, there’s always a grace period. Call the creditor to discover when they need to get payment before the bill is considered late and use these tips.

Keep Up

Wouldn’t matters just be more comfortable if everybody had an accountant to handle all the financial matters in his life? For those who can not afford to maintain an accountant on retainer, you need to answer as your own accountant and discover how to supervise your money, where it goes, and what it’s for.

Here are a few ideas to help you if you’re a tad bit uncertain how to go about addressing the money matters.

Sample Content Preview

Introduction

The main topic of this discussion is HYBRID VEHICLES.

Like many individuals and groups out there in the real world, we ask the really obvious, but sometimes also tough questions to answer that most struggle with when contemplating the addition of a Hybrid vehicle to their driveway, garage and lifestyle.

Some of the questions go to the fundamentals, like: Why hybrid vehicles? What are they? Are they any good? What do they cost? Where would they be found? Who uses them? How are they best applied?

Even more intricate and complex questions surface than at first glance and consideration:

- How do you make up your mind about hybrid cars?
- Is a hybrid vehicle even a viable option and alternative?
- Are there certain circumstances that a hybrid would be considered better, more efficient?
- What are the actual benefits of hybrid vehicles?
- What criteria is there to use and pay special attention to when buying a hybrid vehicle?

All these questions, inquiry and advocacy of sorts, will unfold in the next 60-pages, as we probe, explore and investigate hybrid vehicles. This includes cars, SUV, minivans even concept and alternative, futuristic transportation vehicles, in more detail, we plan on placing them under even closer scrutiny to figure out exactly if it is worthwhile investing in a hybrid car (or not).

For the most part, in our opinion, it is early days yet to say that the jury is in! There is evidence and trends emerging, that hybrids are here to stay and hold the promise of future transportation vehicles. Others think the technology still has a long way to go. It hangs in the balance and sways between these ‘extremes’ as its development path continues to evolve.

To Buy A Hybrid, Or Not To Buy A Hybrid… That Is The Question!

It is true that a very diverse set of drivers, owners and enthusiasts, (even most people), consider hybrid cars for a variety of different reasons (your own musings and reasons will probably just add to the list here) …

- As a concept and environmentally sound alternative it shows good global citizenship
- It is a trend that they want to be part of and be associated with
- Conservation and sustainability of our world, the legacy we leave for our children
- Leading by example and being a pioneer
- Weird-looking and a cool idea to have one, gadget, newest ‘toy’ to add to the list
- Fuel-economy and saving money, gas
- Less emissions and pollutants into the atmosphere
- Less gasoline/fossil fuel reliant
- Potential investment
- Keeping up with the Joneses!

Whatever YOUR particular incentive, motivation or rationale for getting one, hybrid car sales are soaring. According to recent news-reports in the USA over the last 12 months an increase of 139% was cited. It is a definite trend and here to stay. The wave of the future…undeniably here!

The Questions And Rationale Behind Hybrid Vehicles

The best way to start off writing this book, I thought, was to ask several people (proud new owners, prospective buyers and just the general public at large, across gender, age group and preferences, randomly selected) the same two questions: (i) What are the TOP FIVE reasons to buy/invest in a hybrid as well as (ii) the TOP THREE reasons they would not consider buying a hybrid. (TIP # 1:You can ask and answer these yourself to, it helps to provide some perspective)

Sample Content Preview

Introduction

A growing number of people at least have one greenhouse story to share.

The idea of growing food at controlled temperatures all year round and extending the growing season have set fire to people?s imaginations. No wonder the greenhouse building industry has recorded phenomenal growth.

From construction plans to tools and accessories for greenhouses, individuals are working on all fours to satisfy the increasing demands of consumers who have made building their own greenhouses top priority. This trend, which started humbly in the 70?s, is now a full-fledged endeavor on the part of greenhouse entrepreneurs and “homesteaders.”

One greenhouse story told by a woman was particularly moving. Months before the spring, her husband bought the materials required for building a greenhouse. His plan was to attach it to the house.

The woman had protested because he was at the same time going through radiation and chemotherapy treatments for his cancer. His wife said he should be resting instead of puttering about with shelves and glass and plastic.

What he said broke her heart. He wanted to build and finish the greenhouse while he still had some strength left, because he knew for a long time that she had always wanted one in their backyard. He said he wanted to see the joy in her face when she started planting her tomatoes or gardenias or whatever else she wanted to put there.

Greenhouses are an extension of our personalities. Most especially, it mirrors our soul and what we want from life.

And what we want is a steady supply of home-grown healthy food. During these precarious times when terrorist attacks and life-threatening calamities can cast us in the dark indefinitely, we have one thing we can be sure of – the tomatoes and cucumbers that are in the food basket in the kitchen will tide us over should the country go on emergency mode.

The sweet potatoes and carrots will be around, and there will be more from the greenhouse to feed our families for a few weeks before things return to normal.

Not that we believe that a shortage will ever happen, the country has become much more prepared for any kind of emergency, but just on the off chance…

If greenhouses can save our lives, we may, at some point in time, consider the idea of building one soon, a first step towards self-sufficiency.

It?s not just a constant supply of healthy food that concerns individuals, but a greenhouse – and building it – can be sources of pure enjoyment and clean fun for everyone in the family. Most greenhouse owners are familiar with the advantages of growing their own plants and flowers, prolonging the growing season and the possibility of heating their home. And who knows? They could be selling fresh produce in the communities they live in.

There are many greenhouse models to choose from. You can go from affordable to very expensive. You can build a greenhouse by using junk or a plastic film stretched over a rudimentary structure, or purchase elaborate metal and glass pre-manufactured sun-rooms.

Each of them serves the fundamental function of extending the growing season. Even the question of irrigation can be simple or complex, depending on your preferences.

Just want to make it a hobby? Why not? Homeowners attach theirs to their homes. Even schools have greenhouses built by elementary and high school students.

Finally, the wholesome taste of a home-grown tomato! Everyone knows there is a difference. But really, between you and I, it goes beyond just tomatoes.

Perseverance, labor of love and the sweet anticipation of “harvest time” are what truly matter.