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IN THE NOW, Newsletter for EarthCURE www.EarthCURE.org

Conscious Sustainability | Unified Community | Research from the Heart | Educating with Humor

Summer 2010

Conscious Sustainability

Not Just Thinking Outside the Box, but throwing the Box Away!

By Samone Myers

Often we think that no matter what we are doing as individuals, or inside of a company or on a government program that it is enough to curb the problems that have spun out of control. Whether it is plastics made from petroleum, hazardous waste, C02 Emissions, or eliminating fossil fuels, little to no progress is made in completely revamping these systems. Until now, that is!

Called the Cradle to Cradle® Certificate [1], it is an approach to assessing the sustainability of a product, processes and services employed in producing a given product. Each manufacturing process of a product is assessed based on five categories. These include: Material Health, Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy Use, Water Stewardship, and Social Responsibility. The purpose of the certification program is focus on a product’s safety to humans and the environment while incorporating the design variable of impacts in the overall life cycle.

What exactly does that mean? It came from the philosophy that everything is a cycle and should be treated as such. The intelligence behind this comes from author of the book, Cradle to Cradle, William McDonough. [2] This book and subsequent consulting efforts by the company he founded, McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC), have proven that a new line of thinking is in order that dismisses with the box altogether! Hence, the reason for the title, ‘cradle to cradle,’ which directly counters the antiquated approach ‘cradle to grave.’

The latter is a method of viewing everything in a linear fashion; something which is viewed as having a beginning and an end. Consequently this way of treating programs is geared toward concentrating on the new, the research, and development, but very little after that. For example, the U.S. Aerospace Industry’s approach to Congress for funding is to ‘sell the concept’ by how fast, how high or the technical superiority of a program, not how this program is gong to help the environment or the long range goals or disposition of a product. So everything about an Aerospace program is also evaluated with this bias. As a program progresses through its phases: concept, research & development, production, deployment and finally to operations and support, even an outsider can see the decline in interest, funding and attention to the impacts to people and the environment.
What the Cradle to Cradle® method does is to put the same emphasis and every phase of a program, making no one part lesser or better than another. This ensures every variable is estimated, managed and executed within specific guidelines. All of which prevent anything from following through the cracks and leads to systems that follow the evolved thought of turning all waste into something useful, or as MBDC says, “Waste into Food.” This truly is a way to change systems in a positive way while cleaning up our mess today and for future generations.

About the Author:
Samone Myers is the Founder and Director of EarthCURE. She has over twenty five years of experience in cost/risk analysis, proposal and project management in the Aerospace Industry. Her career includes being a Senior Analyst for the government, managing a diverse team and profit center for a large corporation, running a successful consulting business, hosting an International radio program called the Conscious Living Show and instructing risk management and conscious sustainability to MBA delegates and University students. Ms. Myers dedicates her time to educating the public on how to live in a more conscious manner.

References:

To learn more about the Cradle to Cradle® Certificate Program overview, click here.
Highly recommended reading, the book, Cradle to Cradle is available on Amazon.

Unified Community

No Welcome Home Party for Returning Veterans

By Samone Myers

Most people are unaware of the rising number of Veterans who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). But, other serious problems are on the increase with returning Veterans. For instance, the suicide rate has increased 26% and more than in other time in the history of the U.S., Veterans, many who are female, are homeless. [1]

Granted there are some organizations assisting our Veterans reintegrate back into society. Homelessness among our returning Veterans is getting national attention thanks in part to a group called, New Direction. [2] However, this is just one organization and most are using traditional approaches to help counter the effects of depression, suicidal tendencies and homelessness. These approaches have proven less than adequate; hence PTSD and the suicide rate have increased, not decreased.

Increases of PTSD and suicide among Veterans have caused a shock wave with the military. So much so that the U.S. Army put a solicitation out on the streets a few years ago, recognizing the need for holistic treatments and approaches. But, in an all-too-typical-move, they awarded it to a bidder who offered traditional psychiatric methods and a few yoga classes thrown in to satisfy the ‘holistic’ requirement. Then, as if the Army recognized their error, they recently initiated a program that provides psychiatric service dogs specially trained to help traumatized veterans. [3] This is a great start, but much more is required to assist Veterans rid themselves of PTSD, eliminate any thoughts of suicide and equip them with a complete, holistic approach to living.

EarthCURE encourages anyone who would like to donate money to do so and receive a tax benefit, but more importantly, peace of mind knowing you helped reintegrate a Veteran back into society. Now that is a welcome home party we’d all like to attend! Any and all donations are appreciated. And for those of you able to contribute sizeable donations, you can fund a volunteer Veteran for a little more than the Army is spending on a specially trained dog ($20,000). You’ll be glad you did…

References:

Article in the Examiner, May 2010 titled, 26% veteran suicide rate increase 'disheartening...unacceptable'
Members of New Directions appeared on America’s Got Talent. Watch a clip of their performance by clicking here or read an article about their organization.
Article on the Army’s program for psychiatric service dogs

Research From the Heart

Are You Ready to Lose the Land Line and join the 21st Century?

By Sue Denniston

It shouldn’t be a surprise to people that the telephone with a cord attached to the end of it is now old technology and let’s face it, expensive and limiting. Yet, time after time when I mention that I don’t have a land line, I get a similar reaction. “What do you mean you don’t have a phone?” To which I respond, “I have a phone. In fact, I have two – a cell phone and MagicJack.”

Then begins the endless questions such as “How can you have a phone without a phone line?” and “What’s MagicJack?” Then, from there it goes into other questions and the learning begins. Because it is important to educate the consumer, I decided to answer the most common questions, and allow others the benefit of my research. What I find most is the pattern of traditional “telephones and lines” that needs to fall away to make room for these more efficient and less expensive communication services.

MagicJack: An Internet phone that works with any “land line” style corded or cordless phone. You simply buy a $39.95 device which includes the first year, then $19.95 every year after that. This is not $19.95 per month … this is for the WHOLE YEAR! It is a year of unlimited, free local and long distance calls within the U.S. [1] It is available at places like Radio Shack and Best Buy. It plugs into your USB port on your computer. When you are ready to use the phone, you plug your phone’s telephone cable into this device that is plugged into the USB port on your computer. As long as your computer is connected with Internet access, you have a working phone.

I get asked “How can this work”? Easy. It is a process of Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP . You can look up all the info about it on the web by searching on VoIP technology. There are others too that provide this service such as Vonage. Even your local “phone companies” are getting into the act wanting to “sell” you a package with “digital phone service”. It is all VoIP technology. Just make sure it works with what you want. Not all provide good customer service or will allow you to “port” or transfer your current phone number to the VoIP service. Still these services are available and give you more options than a traditional land line.

The next set of questions that these conversations lead to is about cell phones, wireless providers and what options are available with inexpensive solutions. Here are some of the key questions and what I have discovered.

I would like to have web access on my phone yet I don’t want to pay the exorbitant prices “to connect” or use their data link software.
If your phone is over 2 years old or you are using a prepaid service (month to month contracts) AND your phone is set up for wi-fi you can use the wi-fi feature WITHOUT having to pay for the data plan. Sound confusing? It is like having wi-fi on your computer and sitting outside a hotel to get free wi-fi or using free wi-fi in hotspots, i.e. a free signal.

How does that apply to phones?
Phones set-up with Wi-Fi can function the same way as a computer though much more limited. Take for example the 2nd generation or greater ipod Touch (or Touch). It is literally an iPhone without a phone or camera. Yet the Touch can be used as a phone within a WiFi network using “Skype” (a VoIP type software app) and an external headset. So literally you have a phone on a non-phone device. Very cool! Click here for comments on how to do it.

Additional research resulted in discovering that the ipod Touch using Skype can call other Skype numbers for free. No calling fees – no fee at all. On the other hand, if you want to say call your mother who isn’t on Skype, there would be a monthly fee through Skype ($2.99 unlimited in US, $7.99 unlimited in Canada or Mexico, $13.99 unlimited around the world). Technology like this should apply to ANY phone with wi-fi capability – meaning no phone service is required if just using the wi-fi portion of the phone.

What are some of the differences between the iphone and ipod?
There are not a lot of differences between the iPhone and ipod touch. After the 3rd generation, the ipod Touch is almost the same platform as the iPhone. There are really only 3 major differences between them. One difference is that you can make calls from your iPhone, but you can't from your ipod touch. Now though that has gotten hazy with the use of wi-fi and skype (Fring or other VoIP software). Second, the iPhone has a camera the ipod Touch does not. That may not be important to some of you. Last, the iPhone has a monthly service fee from $60-$150/month and the ipod Touch has NO monthly fees. That can be a major factor to those on a strict budget. Click here to see the comparisons.

Ok so now let me throw in another player, the iPad. The newest and latest Apple tool/mini computer/network tool. It also has wi-fi and apps like the iPhone and can also do things your computer does as well. Other devices that are getting wi-fi are ebook readers. They are capable of becoming wi-fi phones if they have external speakers and can download software for VoIP technology. Since I am not necessarily an advocate or expert on Apple devices, I encourage readers to check out the differences between the iPhone, ipod Touch, and the iPad.

I hear a lot people talk about Skype. What is it and what does it allow me to do?
Skype is an Internet phone service that originally was offered for free. As it gained in popularity, a minimal fee structure was put in place to allow Skype and non-Skype users to communicate. Now, that more people are using it, wireless providers have realized that there is a demand for it being available on phone devices. The following are what you can do using Skype with a number of different devices: [2]

Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world
Inexpensive calls and texts (SMS) to phones abroad
Send and receive IMs to and from people or groups
Share pictures, videos and other files
Receive calls to existing online number(s)
See when other Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
Import names and numbers from a phone’s address book

Other Research that provides the Consumer with phone options [3 & 4]
While researching the above, I came across information regarding VoIP cell phones. Apparently, VoIP (wi-fi ) enabled cell phones are fairly new to the US consumer market. Mostly the wi-fi has been added to phones to allow people to access the internet and not to necessarily “talk” on the phone. First your cell phone has to have the wi-fi or WLAN feature to be able to use it (kind of like your computer). It isn’t a software application that gets downloaded. In the U.S., T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service allows customers to make cell phone calls over a VoIP network where available, then automatically switches to analog in places where digital service isn’t installed. Other monthly service providers simply want you to pay the fees and don’t promote their wi-fi options agressively.

In addition, I found on some forums a bit of information that could lead to more options and inexpensive solutions. It appears that Skype for mobile phones isn’t the only VoIP service available. There are alternatives such as Fring and Nimbuzz (Nymgo?). Instead of my describing what these are, and since there are some good explanations available, I have provided the following links: What is Fring? Click here & What is Nymgo? Click here

Getting back to that land line again, I have found there are two different options for getting rid of your land line. One device mentioned earlier, MagicJack, plugs directly into your computer. The other device comes off your computers modem. It then requires you to either have extra ports on your modem or you will need to buy a router to attach the phone adapter to the internet hi-speed signal. The companies that use this type of setup are Vonage, your regular internet provider (Comcast, Verizon, Qwest, AT&T, Time Warner), and new smaller companies like VOIPO (yes VOIPO not VoIP [5]). Both types are good alternatives to the traditional land line. It just depends on your computer setup and features you are looking for in a phone system.

As a webmaster, I provide low cost solutions to my clients. Typically I have found that the general public is not informed regarding the alternatives and consequently are paying too much for phone and wireless services. In spite of this, it is encouraging to see so many different alternatives to old systems. I also appreciate that these alternatives are leading to more inexpensive solutions while at the same time providing additional abilities. This I would say is a bright light in our communication systems. Doing more with less for less!

About the Author
Sue Denniston has been a webmaster for over 15 years. Her programming experience spans the time of punch cards to the days of software development at Honeywell and Johnson Controls. Ms. Denniston is also an artist and small business owner, which in combination with her experience offers clients well-rounded assistance. Being conscious of expenses, her services are offered at affordable prices. She is the webmaster for EarthCURE and an Officer, who believes strongly in educating the public on affordable options. For more information about Sue, please visit her web site at www.sagespider.com.

References:

For more details about Magic Jack, visit their web site at www.magicjack.com.
For information on Skype, click here.
To learn more about how things work, click here.
Watch several videos (they play one right after the other) that talk about cell phone tricks.
VOIPO is an internet phone service backed by Hostgator, international internet web hosting provider.

Educating With Humor

Celebrating diversity among inventions in order to bring you the best and the worse Award Winners…

First, honoring Nikola Tesla & Albert Einstein, our TESTEIN Awards are given to those who combine intelligence and conscious information, developing technology that benefits people and the environment.

TESTEIN AWARD No 1 WEEDS MAKING SOLAR AFFORDABLE WORLD-WIDE

Researchers at Wake Forest University's Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials have realized an important use for Pokeberries - the weeds that children smash to stain their cheeks purple-red and that Civil War soldiers used to write letters home. Nanotech Center scientists have used the red dye made from pokeberries to coat their efficient and inexpensive fiber-based solar cells. The dye acts as an absorber, helping the cell's tiny fibers trap more sunlight to convert into power.

Pokeberries proliferate even during drought and in rocky, infertile soil. That means residents of rural Africa, for instance, could raise the plants for pennies. Then they could make the dye absorber for the extremely efficient fiber cells and provide energy where power lines don't run, said David Carroll, Ph.D., the center's director."They're weeds," Carroll said. "They grow on every continent but Antarctica."

The fiber cells can produce as much as twice the power that current flat-cell technology can produce. That's because they are composed of millions of tiny, plastic "cans" that trap light until most of it is absorbed. Since the fibers create much more surface area, the fiber solar cells can collect light at any angle - from the time the sun rises until it sets. For details, click here.

TESTEIN AWARD No 2 Drive Exceptionally Green!

Not to be confused with Nissan's Leaf Electric car or Science Applications International Corp., Chinese manufacturer SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) is producing a totally green technology for a car also called, the Leaf.

This technology has been demonstrated to ‘clean as you drive.’ According to SAIC, the Leaf will use wind, solar and biological technology to power the tiny two-seater. Photovoltaic conversion cells will be the main power for the car, along with energy generated from each of the mini wind turbines situated within the car's wheels. Solar cells on its leaf-shaped roof will also move in accordance with the position of the sun to increase solar absorption and provide the most energy possible.

Essentially the Leaf has been designed to mimic the energy gathering behavior of plants extracting CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. That means the Leaf gets special carbon capturing bodywork which will add additional power and complement the onboard microbial fuel cell that also recharges the lithium-ion batteries. For full article, click here.

TESTEIN Award No. 3 Shine On!

Scientist, Anil Duggal for the design and development of light-producing sheets that may soon outshine the bulb. Duggal, a physical chemist at GE’s research laboratories in upstate New York, says he is about a year away from producing durable and green lighting that is neither incandescent nor fluorescent.

It is called organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs, -- not to be confused with LEDs, a different technology. OLED technology was pioneered and patented by Kodak/Sanyo in 1963. GE’s application of OLEDs is rolls of flexible sheets less than a tenth of an inch (2.5 centimeter) thick. The energy efficiency now matches compact fluorescents and their pliability opens the door to light- producing furniture, wallpaper, or ceiling paper, and items that have yet to be imagined, Duggal says.

Duggal, claims he was torn between philosophy, religion, and the physical sciences as a student. His drive to solve tangible problems won out. “My personal dream was to change the world with something that I did -- to do something new that makes a difference technology-wise,” Duggal says. For more information on OLEDs, click here.

De-Evolved Awards reflect going backward in evolution of consciousness, limited to Left Brain activity and utilizing less than 10% of the brain…

De-Evolved Award No. 1 British Petroleum – Need We Say More

This side of no longer being in the business of providing petroleum, cleaning up their mess and applying this knowledge for other to follow suit, BP hands down receives the No. 1 De-Evolved Award. For a comedic interpretation of the oil spill debacle, watch this brief video.

De-Evolved Award No. 2 A Motorized Scooter
For those of you who saw the movie, Wall-e, you may recall how Humans eventually could no longer walk thanks to motorized scooters. Honda is calling the U3-X, the "personal mobility concept" (a motorized scooter), their ‘new invention’. We have to ask, “Are the researchers at Hondo on mind numbing drugs?” Click here to watch a video on this ridiculous re-invented skateboard. Get a clue guys… Make it fly on free energy and then we’re talking!

De-Evolved Award No. 2 Solar and Petroleum-Based Plastic
Toronto Scientists have invented a plastic solar cell that can turn the sun's power into electrical energy, even on a cloudy day. This may sound promising except they are using plastics made from petroleum. Now if they switch to biodegradable plastics made from corn oil, they may redeem themselves and make it to our TESTEIN Awards. Click here for more info on this technology.

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