Benefits Of Installing Bike Stands Near Train Stations

Many cosmopolitan cities in the world have train system that takes everyone from one point of the city to the other in a jiffy without the hassle of driving a car, getting stuck at traffic and contributing to the unnecessary pollution of driving.

A daily bike commute to the train station is a common activity of many people, whether students or workers, living in the city and suburb. A bike is usually the cheapest and the best way to reach the train station in time to catch the train for the commuter's next destination.

It is beneficial for cities to install bike stands near the train stations to accommodate commuters who prefer to reach the train station using bikes. Below are good reasons why local authorities and land developers must install bike stands near train stations:

Less traffic congestion
One less car on the street and multiply that to a hundred more will be a significant reduction on traffic congestion. Thoroughfares will be less congested as more people with bike will be encouraged to use the trains if they see bike stands or bike parks installed near the train stations.

Photo credit: lcc.org.uk

Less pollution
With lesser vehicular smoke emissions, there will be less pollution in the environment. Hence, it is essential for any metropolitan and even suburban areas to consider having bike stands near train stations and even establishments and schools to keep the city clean and green.


Not space-consuming
A bike park with bike stands will not take up so much as space as much as a car parking lot or building. A normal 6-bike stand can occupy around 34 inches of plot only.

Photo credit: yahoo image

Improves health and wellness by encouraging exercise using bikes
Using a bike can burn more calories than driving. It helps rev up your metabolism while improving your cardio and overall well being.


Easy to maintain
A bike park with bike stands is easier to maintain than a spacious car park because of the little space it takes to be cleaned, monitored and maintained.


Cheaper installation costs
A simple bike stand that can hold 6 bikes (3 for each side) costs approximately between $70-$100 only than building a car park with roofs. A bike park will also need overhead covers and cemented flooring but materials for these are lesser compared to the number of materials to be used for car parks.


I have been around many cosmopolitan cities in the world and I have noticed how plenty of commuters are using the bike stands and bike parks near the train stations to park their bikes and proceed using the trains. My recent trip to Tokyo, Japan also highlighted how well accepted by the populace the bike stands near the train stations. They even have exclusive bike path around the city for bikers. I saw plenty of men and women in their business suits, traveling by bike, parking their bikes at the bike park just adjacent to the subway station. As a matter of fact, I have watched from Danny Choo's website about underground electronic bike racks around Japan. I wanted to see one. Unfortunately, I did not go to Shinagawa Station to see the nearby Eco Cycle. I saw the usual bike racks near Maihama Station in Urayasu area which is really packed.

It is important for a city to encompass this kind of parking space for bike commuters. Not only does it help in keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum, it also helps in saving gas, improves health and well-being and decongests road traffic.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is an infinite energy source.  Essentially, power can be produced over and over and never runs out, and is usually harnessed from the many forces of nature.

Below are eight types of renewable energy sources available, as well as a brief explanation of how they generate power.

Wind

Wind turbines turn kinetic energy from the wind into an electric current.

Solar

This is where sunlight is captured through solar panels and converted into electricity.

Tidal

The movement of tides generate turbines which in turn generates energy. This is probably one of the most reliable renewable energy sources compared to wind and solar.

Wave

Wave energy captures the force of wind generated by waves.

Hydrological/hydroelectric

This is energy harnessed from the movement of water in rivers, lakes and Dams.

Geothermal

This uses the natural heat of the earth in volcanic regions.  Water is pumped underground which is then converted into steam.

Biomass

This is organic material which can be burned and used as energy. Examples of this include rapeseed which is converted into oil, then after treatment can be used as fuel in diesel engines.  This energy type is sustainable if crops are replanted.   

Wood

Trees are cultivated and chopped down and burned to generate heat and light.  This is deemed as renewable if trees are replaced, although this energy source is not very environmentally friendly as burning of wood emits Co2 which contributes towards global warming, unless trees are replanted to absorb the harmful gases emitted.

How can I make a difference?

With the rise of fuel and utility costs and the threat of global warming evermore in the spotlight, renewable energy is fast becoming the cheaper and cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel sources such as oil and gas. 

If you are considering renewable energy in order to reduce your heating bills and to decrease your carbonfootprint, there are many options available for homes and businesses, including:-

Biomass boilers – These use wood as a fuel source.  As long as the wood is from a sustainable source, these are very environmentally friendly as newly replanted trees absorb carbon dioxide which is released from burning wood.  The government set up a scheme called ‘Renewable Heat Incentive’ which pays for every kWh of heat produced by a biomass boiler.

Air source heat pumps – These absorb heat from the outside air which can then be used to heat water and radiators.  These devices can extract heat from the air, even if the temperature is as low as -15c!

  

Solar Panels - So far, 450,000households in the UK have solar panels installed, making it one of the most popular choices for renewable energy.  Solar panels capture the suns energy which is then converted to electricity.  Since solar power is a green energy, it doesn’t release any harmful toxins into the atmosphere and is very reliable, providing you have a south facing roof on your home in order to capture the maximum amount of light.

Solar thermal heating systems - Unlike solar panels which capture the light, solar thermal heating systems uses the heat from the sun to heat water in domestic and commercial premises.  The performance of these devices depends on climate, so if there is a cold weather, the extraction of heat from the sun may be impeded.

These are just some of the ways that householders and business owners can help the environment and save money, however simple changes such as watching your energy consumption and being mindful about the products that you buy, will mean you are making a difference for your finances and the planet.

This is a guest post provided for www.riablahgs.com's readers.

Teaching Kids How to Recycle

Society has learned, over the last several decades, the importance of recycling. It has been widely taught and accepted that recycling helps to save the resources of the earth, thus preserving those resources for generations far beyond the current generation. However, no matter how much someone knows about the importance of recycling, it is hard to really implement on a day-to-day basis without a community program in place. This is why the Louisville recycle programs are so important. It makes it much easier for a wider participation in recycling.

Teaching Kids Recycling

One way to help further the cause of recycling is to teach children. The more commonplace recycling becomes among the children of this generation, the more prevalent and mainstream it will be in the future. This has happened over the last several generations, which is why we have community programs today. One way parents can stress the importance of recycling and show them how it impacts the world around them is to take them into nature and help them understand where the resources come from for the products we use on a day-to-day basis. One really easy way to teach kids that natural resources are limited is to help them understand water in the lakes and rivers around the state. When they can see, over the course of their childhood, the drop in water levels in a dry year, it becomes easy for them to understand how natural resources are not limitless.

Utilizing the Community Programs

It is important for the vitality of the recycling programs in the community that there is widespread participation. One way communities help to encourage participation is to provide recycling cans that can be filled and put out on the curb to be dumped, much like the garbage can. This makes it as easy as possible for the people of the community to participate. Lastly, communities that are successful, such as the Louisville recycle programs, go to great lengths to educate the people in the community of the importance of the programs and participation. When it is all said and done, the efforts made now will pay off in the future in pushing forth the efforts to recycle.

Common Alternative Energy Sources

The modern times have paved way to a lot of advancement of technology and industrialization. It also is one of the reason for more use of energy in the form of natural gas, nuclear and other alternative electricity.

Energy is sourced in many ways and at times, how we get our energy is a stark revelation of how much nature plays a big role in the production of energy. More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of using alternative sources of energy to supply their requirement. Use of alternative energy will help preserve the environment by decreasing the pollutants.

Below are some common alternative energy sources that are now being tapped and used by discerning consumers.

Solar energy

The sun is the most common source of energy. It is renewable too as long as the sun exists. Solar power is harnessed by trapping the sun's rays into solar panels or cells where they are converted to electricity.

This natural source of energy does not release water nor air pollution because of the lack of chemical reaction from the combustion of fuels. It is commonly used for heating and lighting.


Wind power

Wind energy is considered one of the promising ways to harness natural energy to provide consumers clean electricity. It taps the power of the wind to propel the blades of wind turbines to produce electrical current. Plenty of coastal towns have taken advantage of wind power to produce electricity enough to power a small community and to pump water for crops and their livestock.

This is more affordable, available and pollution-free source of energy and there are no harmful by-products of this source of energy.


Geothermal energy

Geothermal means earth's heat. It taps the heat energy present underneath the Earth such as hot rocks which heats water to produce steam. The steam is purified and used to power turbines which in turn, produces electricity to power generators.

Geothermal energy does not produce any harmful by-products to the environment.


Hydroelectric Energy

This type of energy source comes from the energy of water in the dam which drives turbines and generators. It can also harness the kinetic energy of water. This is the reason why dams are built around bodies of water as the concentrate flow of water can be used to turn turbines.

The beauty of this energy source is that it can pump back water to the dams and reuse when needed.


All thee alternative energy sources are ways to help consumers go about their daily tasks whilst ensuring that the environment is not harmed nor overly utilized.

Dubai Is Going Green

Dubai is one of the emirates in the UAE. For someone who has not been in this place, the common picture they will imagine is a city in the middle of the desert. It is actually that - a city in the middle of the desert but a green city.

The streets of Dubai are lined up beautiful small bushes and flowering plants while major thoroughfares are teeming with palm and date trees. The roundabouts are adorned with green plants and major bridges and overhead passes have small pockets of well-tended landscaped gardens. All these plants are watered round-the-clock and are installed with timers to allow sprinkles to work on cue and water to pass on resistoflex teflon hose.

Cosmopolitan Dubai has also placed across the city various recycling receptacles which are visible to everyone so proper disposal of recyclable items is encouraged. A lot of malls also have big bins for electronic devices and batteries for proper disposal.

Companies have followed suit by putting their own distinguished bins all over their offices. Our company supports the government's drive to keep Dubai green. Each station in our office has cardboard boxes used for paper disposal and it is collected regularly by a uniformed personnel who takes them to the recycling plant.

Kids in school are being educated on the benefits of recycling, reusing and reducing wastage. Activities such as beach cleaning is a regular event in schools and other companies during the colder months to help clean the environment and promote a greener lifestyle.

I believe Dubai will achieve the green drive as long as the people are educated about the importance of going green.

Gel Fireplace

A better and more economical way to afford a fireplace for your house is to have a gel fireplace instead of the real deal.

I have been obsessing about various fireplace designs for our future house in the Philippines. I know it is hot and humid in our country and having a fireplace is not a wise decision but this is a thing I want incorporated in the design. I do not mind having a faux fireplace as long as there is a mantle there that I can deck with beautiful ornaments.

Now that the gel fireplace is becoming famous, I will reconsider the thought of having the gel fireplace instead of the conventional fireplace, faux or not. Gel fireplace is more environmental friendly because you are not cutting wood but lighting an alcohol-based gel fuel that has passed EPA and OHSA requirements.

So, this can be my new obsession - the gel fireplace. I am really not particular with the design or how big it will be as long as I have a fireplace at home.

Help the Birds this Summer

It is unusually hot these days that even the small creatures cannot bear the heat. It is that time of the year again here in the Middle East when we have to endure the scorching heat and pray that it does not get us. So, imagine how the small creatures feel in this extreme weather condition.

My request is now for my family, friends and loyal readers to please forward this to as many people as you can to spread the word. A little help will go a long, long way to our feathered friends. The picture says it all.

Recycling Your Magazines and Newspapers

I have the bad habit of buying magazines and newspapers every chance I get. I just keep them stacked in my bookshelves. Even my magazine display rack is not enough to hold the number of magazines and newspapers I have collected over the years.

So, I decided to leave some magazines by putting them on the coffee table for our guests to read. The newspapers came very handy too in terms of using them as glass cleaners and counter top wiper. In all fairness, the newspapers did a good job making my sliding doors clean and shiny and I didn't have to buy any glass cleaner. Just a bit of soap and water and the good old newspaper trick.

The rest of my magazine collection is under my bed to add more support on the pillars. And I have already made up my mind that come I will be giving them to the recycling experts.

Filthy Cars

A filthy car needs washing but not just an ordinary car wash. It needs an intensive car wash using hydraulic hose to blast away the dirt and mud and other sticky substances. Ordinary washing with a sponge and a bucket of water does not do the trick anymore because of the smog.

I remember how my dad would just get a soapy water and an ordinary sponge to wash our car. Back then, the environmental factors on making a vehicle dirty was not as bad as now. Pollution has made it difficult to clean our cars.

Go-Green Shopping

When visiting other countries, try your very best to check out the local markets, small stores and the off-the-beaten-path stores and see their produce, goods and handicrafts as well rather than going to the city malls and department stores. By going to these local markets, you are helping to support the local business.

Public Commuter

It's been a very long time since I last took the public transportation. I either drive or carpool. However, it is inevitable for me to use the public transportation today because my budget is tight and my hubby will use the car. I have no choice.

I felt a bit jittery because I don't know how long the ride would take. The wait was half an hour and the ride home was another half an hour. I am not even talking about the sun's heat that I could take in. It's good that the weather is still pleasant. Otherwise, I would have fainted there.

So it took me 1 hour for the entire process as compared to the 15 mins. drive from work to home. It was a long ride. It felt right though because I didn't have to use up petrol. I was just seated in an air-conditioned bus with nice upholstered seats and a state of the art check-in/check-out card metre. I actually had fun.

I think I'll be doing this often. Never mind the little discomforts; I'm aiming to save money, stretch my stamina and do my part to help Mother Earth in my own little ways.

Save the forest one paper at a time

I am re-posting this since I have missed posting articles on the environment during Earth Day recently. Have a read :)

oOo oOo oOo

I cringe at the thought of throwing re-usable papers in the office or even anywhere else. I always chide my colleagues (and even bosses) to save paper because if we are to equate the ratio of the number of papers we have used without remorse, it would be equivalent to thousands of trees. Imagine how many trees we have killed already by dumping those precious, Grade "A" papers? Urggghhh.

Since I am an environmentalist, I devised my own little ways on how to re-use the "used" papers.

1. Re-use the clean page at the back of the paper if it's only printed on one-side. Use it either as a things-to-do list or draft for another memo or doodle pad.

2. If you know anyone from the printers, send the bundle of used papers and have them cut in cubes and give as gifts to your friends (and even to your boss. That way, they'll recognize your effort to cut company's cost and preserve mother nature at the same time. You might even get a citation for that!!! Or a promotion...)

3. If the prints on the used papers are really good or colored even, use them as personalized gift-wrappers. I used some during Christmas and decorated the papers with nice colorful ribbons to put spunk. Viola! Your very own environmental gift wrapper.

4. I have guinea pigs at home so I shred some of the used papers to mulch. I use them as cage fillings combined with wood shavings so it cuts down the cost of having to buy plenty of wood shavings which is quite costly here. Your cavies will surely love you for your thoughtfulness. Not only that it's environmental-friendly, it's also "tummy" friendly for them.

5. Use them as chain banners or swags during parties or decorative garland for your Christmas tree.

6. Re-use them for your decoupage craft.

7. Crumple them and use as window cleaner to replace the rag. Just make sure you slightly moisten them.

8. If your kids are into arts and craft, give them the papers for origami.

9. Use them to wrap unused glass wares instead of the bubble wrap which is made of plastic. Do this only when you don't have to ship the glass wares somewhere else. This is for storing purposes only.

10. Use them as book covers if you feel like being creative and "different."

Please feel free to make the list long by suggesting more ways to re-use the waste papers in the office or at home. Give the trees the chance to grow. Make a difference - one paper at a time.

N-Viro

It is very gloomy to think about all the damage man and the industrialization have done to our environment. No wonder, Mother Earth is not too happy.

I am not too sure if there are actions taken by the industrial companies against their waste products, wastes to energy and other adverse process which gravely affects our environment. One company does stand out because of its commitment to a greener world by using "green technology" to turn its waste to energy and other beneficial by-products and source of renewable energy. That company is N-Viro International Corporation.

N-Viro is a forerunner in terms of using advance technology without causing much harm to the environment. Many industries and homes uses energy without realizing how it is produced. N-Viro developed a process called N-Viro Fuel where fuel can be taken through alternative energy sources. Unlike the coal-mining industries' alarming adverse effect to both nature and human, N-Viro Fuel can be a great source of opportunity fuels with the use of clean coals.

If you want to know more about this company's green technology and solutions to turn wastes products to green products, please visit their site: http://www.nviro.com

Earth Hour 2010

It will be Earth Hour again in few days time. Like the previous years, I and my family are supporting this worthy cause once again. We hope to be able to influence more of our neighbors here and friends and colleagues too.

Let's make this a success everyone. Please, remember to switch off your lights and some of your appliances at home or in the office on 27 March, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. your local time.

Mark this on your calendar and let's make it happen.

For Mother Earth!!!

Baby Goes Organic

In this age of global industrialization, a lot of companies and people are opting to go green to help our ailing Mother Earth recover. I have gone where others fear to tread and that is by going green! I am a happy "green person" and I try my level best to suit my activities and uses of products (and even services) which will aid in promoting environmental awareness.

I have cut back on my travels this year to minimize our families carbon footprints. We have switched to green lights and jute bags. I now put my sandwiches on glass containers so it can be washed again and again.

Even some of my families clothing have undergone revamp. I started purchasing clothes which are made of organic materials. We all know that organic materials are almost free of chemical abuse. Next to follow my lead will be my relatives and their kids and my friends as well.

I found this site which caters to Organic Baby Clothes. Their sense of style and whimsical designs are my kind of stuff. I browsed their products and found many Cloth Diapers and Baby Onesies. You can choose from various cute designs and even put text as you wish on the clothes you want. Since most of my friends live in the US and Canada, I think the long sleeves onesies will be the best bet as a gift.

Beauty Tip 101 - Saving on Antioxidant

Vitamin E is known for its powerful antioxidants which helps in freeing radicals damage caused by environmental factors like the sun, wind and pollution.

If you are trying to save on your budget and would not like to spend unnecessarily on costly Vitamin- E enriched beauty creams, you may just have your dose of Vitamin E from leafy green vegetables and olive oil.

Spring with New Hope

Winter posed itself longer than usual this year. We did not experience heavy rains on March but this year was different. Spring has taken a back seat for a while and now it has sprung!

I welcome the entry of this wonderful season called Spring. Although here in the hot climate of the Middle East, we are not privileged enough to enjoy Spring season in its full scale. We don't see enough verdant greens and natural blossoms of beautiful spring plants. Most of the plants here are artificially cultivated because they won't survive the harsh summer months.

Spring brings new hope after a gloomy season. It beacons new life. With all the problems the world is facing right now, the "seeming" pandemic around us because of the H1N1 virus, the dissent of other countries, the oppression of the poor, the compromising of peace talks, the global recession and the increasing number of poverty, we could only pray and hope that Spring brings a bright future as it enters the changing of the season.

The Hour After Earth Hour 2009

I know, I know... sheesh! I should have posted this "an hour after the Earth Hour event" but I got tied up with many other things so I missed to. Anyway, I all I can say is that we participated in the event again this year and never regret doing so. Some of the famous landmarks here in Dubai also participated but i don't have any photos of those. I'll show you how we went through the Earth Hour 2009. I will definitely do this again next year and the years to come! Mother Earth is soooooo getting my vote!!!

Well, you won't see much on the video except for the flicker of my mouse's light and the one from the laptop screen and a lit candle on the altar. That was the point of Earth Hour anyway, switch the lights off ;) ... and so we all did! And below are few snaps taken before the event and during the Earth Hour.

My note reminding everyone at home to support the cause.

I used my small reading lamp which is battery operated to illuminate the room.

Today is Earth Hour 2009

Hey, don't forget to participate on this worthy cause. If your location is still few hours before night time, please do not forget to switch off your lights and any appliance you can do without for an hour at 8:30 p.m. local time.

Rainy March

I have never experienced rain in March here in Dubai. We've been here for almost 10 years and this is the first time I saw rain during the month of March. Weird weather shifts happen when the season is to change just like now - the end of winter and the dawn of spring. However, it was scary yesterday with matching gray clouds, thunder and great electrical show in the sky! We had hail some years back prior to the winter season but yesterday we had hail storm in some parts of UAE. I find that rather strange. I guess this is the cause of global warming.

Here are pictures taken yesterday here in Dubai. I credit the photographer who took these shots. They are amazing.


I love this picture above. It's like "Twister Part 3" the Dubai version. It is not common in this part of the world to have this kind of weather phenomenon. Few days before we had this hail, there were several sandstorms signaling the change of the weather but we didn't expect chunks of snow as seen below.