IAASP: Information & Articles About Saving our Planet

In 2009 Honda plans to introduce passenger vehicles simultaneously in Japan and the United States that will employ a highly advanced diesel engine technology designed to fulfill U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards in all 50 states. Initially, a diesel Honda Accord will be offered, with the CR-V likely to be the second Honda vehicle to receive the engine. Future plans call for a diesel version of the Maxima, a planned cooperative venture with Renault. The stand-out feature of the Honda technology is that these engines, unlike products by competitors, do not require the addition of urea to function.

Honda first announced the diesel Accord at the Tokyo auto show in 2007. The vehicle features an aluminum 2.2-liter engine producing 150 horsepower with 260 lb. ft. of torque. Unlike similar diesels made by companies like Mercedes and Volkswagen, the Honda engines will not require replenishment with AdBlue urea liquid to ensure system function and efficient emissions control. The new engines have a NOx converter that, through a chemical reaction, produces its own ammonia while giving off nothing more than harmless nitrogen and water.

The NOx converter consists of two substrate layers on its honeycombed matrix. The outer layer functions to store the NOx while the secondary, lower layer, composed of platinum particles, principally reacts with the exhaust. It is this reaction that, during rich combustion, makes the ammonia. The ammonia, in turn, reacts with the stored NOx and results in the by-products nitrogen and water. According to statements by Honda, this technology was developed in-house and has a scalable capacity that will allow it to be used in a variety of vehicle configurations.

Since 2006, ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has been the standard in both Europe and North America with new, aggressively high emissions standards in place in the United States since the 2007 model year. The use of this cleaner burning variant of the diesel fuel has driven the development of innovative emissions control technologies that have in turn revived the diesel genre, once seen as the exclusive purview of smelly, dirty, heavy duty trucks. Diesel vehicles do have much higher levels of nitrogen oxide in their exhaust that have, until recently, made automakers wary of exploring such products as a way to meet higher fuel economy standards mandated by Congress.

The balance between meeting clean standards versus economy standards was, in the opinion of most car makers, too tricky and too expensive. Rapid advances in emissions technology, however, are changing the outcome of that equation. This new, urea-free technology from Honda clearly pushes the envelope in diesel emissions controls and serves to further drive the development of a whole spate of new diesels that will begin to appear on showroom floors late in 2008 and in 2009 from a variety of automakers.

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Bono (of the band U2) and his wife Ali put me in business, and did not even know it. I could have never done it without them. My new cartoon t-shirt business is eco-friendly, thanks to them. The great irony is, they probably will never read this, and will never know what they did for me. But what they are doing for the planet, with Edun Organics is not only a business they launched, of organic cotton textiles to make eco-friendly clothing, but (at the risk of sounding overly-dramatic) a gift to humanity.

In 1997, after working for twenty years in the corporate world, I faced unemployment due to health issues which would eventually disable me. I could no longer do the work I had been trained to do and worked so hard in to make a contribution.

As time went by, I became a cartoonist and freelance writer. I put up a cartoon site and it became more or less a hobby, with eventual small sales to publications. By 2005, I had been doing this from my home like a robot, I never really looked up to see the achievement. But I was now getting requests from major charities to send them autographed cartoons for their celebrity auctions. I was getting requests to buy cartoons from magazine, website, and Ezine publishers. Manufacturers wanted to license my images. I was surprised to see I had over 8000 original cartoons on my site now, over 3 million annual visitors, and highly rated on Google and Alexa among other analytical sites. Now I had thirteen stores yet something was missing. I had always been aware of the environment and how fragile our planet is. Even though my products were selling wonderfully on such items as tees, mouse pads, coffee mugs, hoodies, and the like, something was bothering me.

The world was turning eco-friendly, finally, and I was being left behind, even though I had always tried to live my life that way. So I started my search for organic cotton manufacturers and though I found a number of them, the minimum order was just too much. Then I came across a POD (Print On Demand) established firm called Zazzle and noticed they handled men’s and women’s organic cotton tees that uses a totally nontoxic dye process. Not only that, but all I had to have was the graphic, and place it on the product digitally, and they did the rest, from producing the product to shipping it. No minimum. I could sell them individually, or wholesale.

Bono’s manufacturing firm is Edun Oganics. Edun is “Nude” backwards. I created my organic cotton tee store last month and discovered I was the first cartoonist, I’m told, to “go green” and I’m printing on Edun products. Today, I read that Edun was launched and is owned by Bono (of the band U2) and his wife Ali. Chances are they will never see this article, and that is alright. I will write them a thank you note. They leveled the playing field for me. I finally was able to align my actions with what was/is in my heart, thanks to someone who had already brought me much joy with his music, and his wife, Ali. Thank you Bono and Ali, in case you ever see this. You made this cartoonist, who was once considered disabled, a very happy man, and I finally get my chance to give something back to our fragile world, and I sleep better at night, thanks to Zazzle, Bono, and Ali.

The Internet’ top offbeat cartoonist, Rick London says he has Bono of U2 and his wife Ali to thank for his eco-friendly business. Click Here To See Rick’s Organic Cartoon t-shirts

Spring is a great time to clean out your medicine chest and make certain your medications are still in good condition or whether they are expired or contaminated. We need to ensure your old medications are disposed of properly to continue healthy living, wellness and keep the environment safe.

The expiry date on any medication is the date after which the medication or product cannot be 100% guaranteed to be 100% effective. Always be certain to check the expiry date upon purchase your medications. Most bottles and tubes of creams have the expiry date imprinted on the end of the tubes near the crimp.

Be certain to eliminate any partially used liquids, creams or even bottles of pills, as they may have passed their expiry dates. They have already been opened; therefore, they are considered contaminated. Heat, light, humidity and contact with the medication are all able to speed up the deterioration of the product.

Expiry dates are useful in determining if the drug has deteriorated to an inactive state, or whether, in fact, they may contain harmful substances. As an example, Acetysalicylic acid or ASA breaks down and smells like vinegar in time past their expiry date. So you have a warning that they no longer have 100% their strength.

Antibiotics are one of the most abused drugs with regard to expiry dates and/or use by someone other than the person the prescription is prescribed for. NEVER, under any circumstances take someone else’s antiobiotic medication. If by some chance there are some left over, it is especially important you take them back to the pharmacy. Taking expired antibiotics and/or someone else’s pills may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Remove everything from your medicine cabinet and throughout your home once every spring. This includes non-prescription products, herbal products and vitamins. Check for the expiry dates. Only keep products that you are currently using. Dispose of any expired, old, unused, and unrecognizable medication by taking them to your pharmacist to make certain these older medications will be safely disposed of. It is also possible to take your outdated medications to a hazardous waste management. Provincial outlets are usually advertised in local newspapers with dates they are open to take your disposals.

We are now becoming more aware of the dangers of tossing drugs into the garbage or flushing them down the toilet, as these drugs can lead to ground water contamination. By cleaning out your medicine cabinet in spring, you are more likely to make it an “annual affair” and this will ensure your part in “healthy living” by not contaminating our grounds and waters.

Carole-Anne Stanway has been a creative healthy recipe cook for many years. She loves to teach new healthy living techniques as well. Learn how you too can make, create and bake using basic organic foods with powerful antioxidants in a variety of healthy recipes for healthy living at .healthyrecipes

Volcanoes are truly fascinating features of nature. Most are located at special zones that are strategically located around the Pacific Ocean.Thus, the areas around the Pacific are collectively known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The most destructive volcanoes are located in countries around the Pacific like Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and New Zealand. Hawaii and other islands around the Pacific are also rich in volcanic supplies. Millions of people are living near and around them due to the beauty and fertility of the surround lands.

Volcanoes are truly one of nature’s most destructive forces. Be prepared for volcanic eruptions if you live nearby an active volcano. You do not need to change address. All you need is to take precautionary measures when the volcano produces signs of eminent eruption.

Types of Volcanoes – There are two kinds of volcanoes. One is dormant and inactive. Such volcanoes are like normal mountain and do not erupt. The other type id the destructive of the active volcanoes, which occasionally erupt.

Volcanic Eruptions – Through the years, people have seen the destructive potential of volcanoes. Many people have lost properties and loved ones to raging and molten lava that erupting volcanoes produce.Often volcanic eruptions also accompany great and destructive earthquakes, making the disaster more catastrophic. Mudflow can also occur if there is rain over the crater of a volcano that is near eruption.

Preparing for Volcanic Eruptions – Fortunately, volcanic eruptions do not happen abruptly. That is because it would take some time before a volcano is able to accumulate enough lava that would trigger an eruption.Often, there are indicators that are monitored before an eruption of a volcano. Natives and residents of nearby areas could also tell when an eruption is eminent.Thus, volcanologists and seismologists would be able to advise people days or even months before the eruption of a volcano. The advice would serve as a warning.

When a warning is issued to an area, people are expected to take the necessary precautions so their lives could be spared from the forthcoming disaster.
How to prepare for volcanic eruptions :

1.Evacuate at once – If your home is located within the few kilometers from the volcano, evacuate at once. You can opt to take your belongings with you or just leave them.

2.Do not panic – Earthquakes are normal occurrences when an active volcano is about to erupt so do not panic. Instead, proceed to doing the precautionary measures.

3.Beware of vocanic mud – Sudden rains especially at the crater of the volcano would lead to an abrupt mudflow. The mud is not ordinary mud. It can contain pre-volcanic eruption debris and could be too hot that is enough to hard-boil an egg. Beware, or you may suffer from burns coming from mudflow.

4.Beward of volcanic debris – When the volcano finally erupts, it may emit volcanic debris up in the air. Be prepared to see falling rocks and small stones coming from the crater. Thus, take a safe shelter during the eruption.

5.Prepare gas masks – Prepare gas masks because the volcanic eruption may also be accompanied by foul odor coming from the release of sulfur. You may suffocate or may not be able to take normal breathing during a volcanic eruption.

6.Beware of volcanic lava – Lava is the centerpiece of the eruption. It is also the most destructive material the volcano will produce during an eruption. It is composed of very hot mud that may instantly burn down any material. Avoid contact with the lava.

7.Tune in to your local radio station – After the eruption,listen to the weather radio or turn on the TV for news and updates. Wait for the volcanologist advice as to when you can safely get back to your homes.

Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs aimed at providing equal access to education,health and jobs to all.Paul has over 10 years experience in managing a multi-million dollar advertising company.Paul can be reached at – SearchAnythingWorldwide.com

Since 1970, Earth Day has inspired and challenged millions from Tokyo to Togo to Toledo. This past spring, millions were galvanized for a Call to Climate, the 2008 Earth Day global warming action theme. They gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and other cities across the country to exchange ideas, become empowered, and raise their voices to urge action on climate change, according to Earth Day organizers.

The events were not merely educational. They were entertaining as well, featuring musicians, actors, exhibits, and much more. In New York City, participants enjoyed the talents of Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder, perused arts and crafts made with recycled materials, and shopped with greenmarket vendors. Torrential rain didn’t prevent thousands from showing up at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate their environmental concerns. In Chicago, Earth Day participants celebrated at the Lincoln Park Zoo with artists Bill Kreutzmann from the Grateful Dead, Otell Burbridge of the Allman Brothers, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The event, hosted by Kyle Orton of the Chicago Bears and Jodi Murphy, host of “Wrecklamation” Planet Green (Discovery Network), featured 26 environmental non-profits and green companies. At the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, participants checked a record 1,000 bicycles at the beachside valet.

Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year-round progressive world action. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact, and have an impact on their communities. EDN’s international network reaches more than 17,000 organizations in 174 countries, while the domestic program engages 5,000 groups and more than 25,000 educators coordinating millions of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year. More than half a billion people participate in campaigns every year.

The idea for Earth Day evolved over seven years beginning in 1962. Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, was troubled by the fact that the environment was simply a non-issue in U.S. politics. In November 1962, Nelson came up with the idea of persuading President John F. Kennedy to give visibility to the issue by going on a national conservation tour. The President began his five-day, 11-state conservation tour in September 1963. While the tour ultimately did not succeed in putting the issue onto the national political agenda, it was the germ of the idea that ultimately gave life to Earth Day.

Anti-Vietnam demonstrations gave Nelson the inspiration for a grassroots protest over what was happening to the environment. Once the Earth Day announcement was made, a major newspaper article covered the astonishing proliferation of environmental events being organized. The rest is history.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle has become a mantra for many Americans who have embraced the environmental concerns Nelson recognized all those year’s ago. Recycling, especially, has given new life to products or materials who have reached their useful life by turning these products into a usable raw material to make another product. Metal scrap recycling, in particular, has seen a huge surge. Overall, the scrap industry processes more than 145 million tons of recyclable material annually into raw material feedstock for industrial manufacturing around the world.

Scrap recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserves energy and natural resources. The scrap metal industry diverts millions of tons of materials away from landfills. The result is cleaner air and water as potentially hazardous materials are removed.

Everyday, new strides are being made, laws are being passed and ideas are being generated in an effort to incorporate an eco-friendly lifestyle. From Earth Day participants who seek to reform policy making in Washington to the local owner of a scrap metal yard, the “going green” process requires a concentrated effort on everyone’s part.

Soave Enterprises diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony Soave that provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others. For more information on Tony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit the website.