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- Commuting Alternatives
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- Tricycling
- Water Conservation
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Lists
- Alternative Fuels for Cars (School Discovery)Provides lessons for alternative fuels for cars. "Pretend that you live in the year 3000. Your group is a team of archaeologists who have been studying the very interesting time period of A.D. 2000-2050." 1-02
- California's Power Problems (CNN)
Provides a lesson to help students see how energy is used in the home and relate that information to larger issues. 7-01
- Energy Conservation (Alliance to Save Energy)
Provides lesson plans and worksheets by grade level and topic. 8-00
Materials
- Alternative Energy (100TopEnergySites.com)
Provides a list of 100 carefully selected sites. 12-01
- Alternative Energy - By Type of Information (About.com - Teuwen)
Provides news, facts, statistics, jobs, research, and more. Includes solar, wind, biofuels, and other sustainable energy sources that are alternatives to fossil fuels. 2-01
- Alternative Energy Businesses (Momentum Technologies - Source Guide)
Provides listings of businesses by location, product type, business type, and business name. 5-01
- Alternative Energy News (About.com - Teuwen)
Provides news, facts, statistics, treatments, symptoms, a glossary, and more. 2-01
- Alternative Energy Suppliers and Manufacturers (About.com - Teuwen)
Provides sources of altnerative energy sources, such as solar, wind, biofuels, and more. 2-01
- Alternative Power Systems (AAPSPower.com)
Provides sources of products that provide alternative energy, such as wind energy. 3-01
- Autos - Hybrid Gas and Electric Cars (HowStuffWorks.com)
Provides a list of resources about hybrid automobiles. 11-00.
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Stations by State (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
Provides a map of which states have CNG fuel stations. 12-00
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (CREST)
Provides an organized and comprehensive set of articles on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network)
- Energy Related Organizations (WEEA) 5-01
- Lighting Tips to Reduce Electricity Use (Earth Share)
Suggests ways to conserve up to half of electricity use in the home by using sensors and compact flourescent bulbs. 10-00
- Sustainable Growth (100TopGrowthSites.com)
Provides a list of 100 carefully selected sites that focus on sustainable growth. 12-01
News
- Fuel Units Conversion (bp.com)
Converts gallons to barrels and other convesions related to fossil fuel. 4-02
Papers
- Department of Energy Releases Documents Showing Access to Energy Companies (CBS News)
Summarizes documents released under court order to show which groups influenced the development of national policy on energy. According to the summary, energy executives and lobbyists had a great deal of access to the head of the Energy Department, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. "In all, three dozen energy executives and lobbyists participated in eight meetings with Abraham from mid-February to late April 2001. The Cheney energy report was released in May."
"But the papers released late Monday by DOE document no top-level meetings with advocates of energy efficiency or renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. 3-02- Senate Rejects Rules Requiring Better Mileage (Philadelphia Inquirer - Kuhnhenn)
"A powerful alliance of carmakers and autoworkers yesterday crushed an environmentalist push to increase fuel-efficiency standards, as the Senate removed mileage requirements from a sweeping energy bill." 3-02
Projects
- -Fossil Fuel Supplies - How Long They Can Last (Evworld - Nering)
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Provides the mathematics behind a "supply side" solution to the energy plan for the United States. Assures us that, mathematically, a supply side approach cannot work very long. 6-01
- -Fossil Fuels Are Limited - Natural Gas (Community Office for Resource Efficiency - Udall and Andrews)
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Provides facts that suggest that natural gas may not meet our future energy needs, despite the massive increase in power plants. 5-01
- -Fossil Fuels Are Limited - Oil (Community Office for Resource Efficiency - Udall and Andrews)
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Provides facts that suggest that production of oil will peak by 2010 - 2020 and will be followed by a relentless decline. 5-01
- -Fuel Cell Cars (Awesome Library)
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Provides a summary of options for current and near future transportation that avoids pollution, yet is convenient, uses inexpensive fuel, and is safe. 6-01
- -Sustainable Planet (Awesome Library - Adams)
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Describes a few of the most important things we can do to reduce pollution and global warming, as well as improve the availability of drinkable water for the future. 11-00
- Air Pollution (ARIC)
Provides an encyclopedia of information on over a hundred topics related to the atmospheric environment and alternative energy sources. 12-00
- Appliances - Energy Star Appliances (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Provides information on energy efficient home appliances, electronics, homes, heating and cooling, and other devices for the home. Includes selection and location of Energy Star items. According to the EPA, "the energy generated to power American TVs and VCRs when they are switched off causes the air pollution equivalent to 2 million cars." 5-01
- Appliances - Most Energy Efficient (Consumer's Guide)
Provides descriptions of the most energy efficient home appliances, including Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Room Air Conditioners, Central Air Conditioners, Conventional (Air-Source) Heat Pumps, Water Heaters, Furnaces, Gas Boilers, and Oil Boilers. 6-01
- Appliances - Most Energy Efficient Appliances (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy)
Provides information on the most efficient Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Room Air Conditioners, Central Air Conditioners, Conventional (Air-Source) Heat Pumps, Water Heaters, Furnaces, Gas Boilers, and Oil Boilers. 5-02
- Autos - Alternative Energy (Energy Source Guides)
Provides listings of alternative vehicle businesses in the world. 6-01
- Autos - Aluminum May Be a Problem (Environmental News Network)
Suggests that the use of aluminum in automobiles may actually make carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere worse. 5-01
- Autos - Fuel Efficiency (U.S. Department of Energy - www.fueleconomy.gov)
Describes the fuel economy of cars. 8-01
- Autos - How Hybrid Cars Work (HowStuffWorks.com)
Provides drawings to show how a hybrid gas and electric automobile works. 11-00.
- Autos - Insulation Reduces Fuel Needs (Environmental News Network)
Provides results from a study showing that use of insulation technology normally applied to housing can greatly reduce the heating and cooling needs for car. 5-01
- Autos - Liquid Nitrogen Power (University of Washington)
Provides the design for a car powered by liquid nitrogen, considered a much more environmental friendly source of energy than electric or gasoline power.
- Autos - MPG Standards Need to be Raised (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Asserts that existing technology can be applied to reduce fuel use by 75 percent. 6-01
- Autos - Made of Wood (Alternative Autos)
Describes the development of a very aerodynamic car made of wood, the Tryane II. Includes pictures. 6-01
- Autos - Microcars (Microcar.org)
Lists all known very small cars in alphabetical order, by make. Also provides information for buying and selling microcars. 6-01
- Autos - SUV Fuel Efficiency Proposed (Lycos)
Recommends that light trucks, including SUVs, should be required to meet the same fuel efficiency standards as other vehicles. Nemtzow, a Republican lawmaker, asserts that "...requiring an SUV to get the same 27.5 miles per gallon as a passenger car would save consumers $27 billion in fuel costs...." 6-01
- Autos - Stirling Engines (Environmental News Network)
Discusses an engine that has no moving parts and may use no fossil fuel. 5-01
- Autos - Sustainable Transportation (Institute for Transportation and Development Policy)
Describes programs supported by the ITDP globally to reduce damage to the environment from transportation. 6-01
- Autos - The Least Polluting Car (GreenCars.com)
Describes the Toyota Prius as the best combination of convenience, fuel economy, and low pollution levels. The Prius is a hybrid of gas and electric power. 12-00
- Autos - The Least Polluting Models (GreenCars.com)
Provides a list of the 12 best automobiles for low pollution levels. 12-00
- Autos - Thermophotvoltaic Prototype (Vehicle Research Institute)
Describes a prototype vehicle that burns methane as a fuel to create infrared heat, which in turn powers photovoltaic cells, which in turn generate electricity to power the car. The cells are considered to be 200 times more efficient that solar photovoltaic cells. The power source is expected to be very clean burning and quiet. 6-01
- Autos - Three-Wheel and Tilting Prototype (Mercedes.com)
Describes a three-wheel, tilting vehicle by Mercedes-Benz. The F 300 Life-Jet was designed to solve problems for future vehicles and is not available for sale. 6-01
- Autos - Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency (U.S. Department of Energy - www.fueleconomy.gov)
Provides tips to improve fuel efficiency of cars. 5-01
- Batteries - Lithium (U.S. Department of Energy)
Describes a breakthrough in lithium batteries for a pollution free and more energy efficient solution to storage of electricity. 12-00
- Batteries - Lithium Compared to Alkaline (Tadiranbat.Lithiuim Batteries)
Compares the energy available from different types of lithium batteries with alkaline batteries. 12-00
- Bicycles (Awesome Library)
Summarizes strengths and weaknesses of bicycles and makes some recommendations. 6-01
- Biomass and Waste Energy (Australian Renewable Energy Website)
Describes and provides diagrams of types of biomass and waste electric generators. 12-00
- Biomass and Waste Energy - Sources (Energy Source Guides)
Provides listings of suppliers for components for biomass recyclers. 6-01
- California Energy Crisis - A Detailed History (Sacramento Bee)
Describes the steps taken to put California in its current energy crisis.5-01
- Cars - Fuel Efficient Car Goal Abandoned (Auto.com - Borenstein)
Describes the government announcement that the 80 m.p.g. goal for cars by 2004 has been abandoned. Another approach to fuel efficiency, not disclosed, was given for the reason to stop trying to create a concept car that achieves 80 m.p.g. by 2004. 5-01
- Checklist for More Fuel Efficient Auto (applesforhealth)
Provides a list of things to check to make your car operate more efficiently. 03-17-00.
- Clothes Washers - Energy Star Clothes Washers (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Provides information on clothes washers that are energy efficient. Includes selection and location of Energy Star clothes washers. 5-01
- Costs - California Buydown Program (California Energy Commission)
Describes a program to make renewable energy affordable. Includes a list of suppliers. 5-01
- Directory of Alternative Energy Services and Suppliers (James and James)
Provides a world directory of alternative energy services and suppliers, including over 5,000 companies and 700 classifications. Provides contact information and a listing of services or products, but does not describe either. 5-01
- Electric Motors (Britannica)
Describes how an electric motor works. 5-01
- Electricity - A List to Conserve Electricity in the Home (Earth Share)
Suggests ways to reduce the use of electricty in the home. 10-00
- Electricity Bill Calculator (Discovery.com - WebMath)
Provides the elements needed to calculate your electric bill. Provide the information required and WebMath will calculate your bill. 6-01
- Energy Alternative Suggested by Business Council for Sustainable Energy (Environmental News Network)
Describes measures that could reduce the need for over 1000 power plants. Notes that wind energy has become over 80 percent more efficient. 5-01
- Energy Conservation Tips (Sierra Club)
Provides suggestions for reducing use of electricity, gas, and water in the home. 2-01
- Energy Costs and Alternative Energy by State (EREN)
Provides basic information related to energy and alternative energy by state. Includes projects, costs, contacts, and more. 1-01
- Energy Efficiency Tips (El Paso Solar Energy Association)
Provides no cost or low cost suggestions for improving the energy efficiency of a home. 5-01
- Energy Efficiency Tips (Natural Resources Defense Council)
Provides suggestions for improving energy efficiency at home. 6-01
- Energy Efficiency Tips for Offices (EnergyIdeas.org)
Describes methods to reduce use of electricity in office buildings. 5-01
- Energy Efficiency Tips to Help Reduce Global Warming (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Suggests personal steps each of us can take toward reducing global warming. Includes taking action on public issues, such as writing newspapers and representatives. 6-01
- Energy Efficiency Top 100 (U.S. Department of Energy)
Provides the top 100 innovations for reducing energy usage in the United States. 12-00
- Energy Efficient Home (Minnesota Power)
Provides detailed specifications of a model home designed for energy efficiency. 5-01
- Energy Resources and Funding for Native Americans (EREN - Wind Powering America)
Provides sources of funds for Native American projects to generate clean energy, such as using wind turbines. 1-01
- Energy Saving - Eight Tips (Oregon Office of Energy)
Provides no cost or low cost tips. Uses PDF format. 1-01
- Essay on September 11th and Democracy (CommonDreams.org - Moyers)
Argues that to build national security, we need to realize that "...first, the money we pay at the gasoline pump helps prop up oil-rich sponsors of terrorism like Saddam Hussein and Muammar al-Quaddifi. Second, a big reason we spend so much money policing the Middle East--$30 billion every year, by one reckoning--has to do with our dependence on the oil there." Bill Moyers also suggests, "Hug the economist who tells you that the most efficient investment of a dollar is not in fossil fuels but in renewable energy sources that not only provide new jobs but cost less over time." 11-01
- Flywheel Lightening for a Car (Lambie)
Describes how lightening a flywheel for a car can boost acceleration, but not increase the power or effieciency of the motor. Also warns of the dangers and of the lost smoothness during idling. 3-02
- Fossil Fuels Are Limited (Capital Times - Ivey)
Provides an editorial with facts arguing that the world supplies of fossil fuels are running out and that building new fossil fuel power plants is a bad solution to the energy crisis. 5-01
- Fossil Fuels Are Limited (RenewWisconsin.org)
Provides an editorial with facts arguing that the world supplies of fossil fuels are running out and that building new fossil fuel power plants is a bad solution to the energy crisis. 9-01
- Fuel Cells - Hydrogen Storage for Fuel Cells (Michigan State University - Svoboda, Ngo, Gutz, and Johnson)
Describes a breakthrough in hydrogen storage, the MAIN barrier to the use of renewable, nonpolluting hydrogen as a fuel source in automobiles. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide up to 2.5 more energy efficiency than fossil fuel power, such as gasoline or diesel. The new storage method uses carbon nanotubes or graphite nanofibers, allowing travel up to thousands of miles on a single tank of hydrogen--at low cost and with no pollution. As of 2000, results were inconclusive and no working model had been placed in a car to test performance. 1-01
- Fuel Cells - Hydrogen Storage for Fuel Cells (theAutoChannel.com)
Describes a breakthrough in hydrogen storage, the MAIN barrier to the use of renewable, nonpolluting hydrogen as a fuel source in automobiles. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide up to 2.5 more energy efficiency than fossil fuel power, such as gasoline or diesel. The new storage tank was developed by a team from IMPCO, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, Alcoa, and Thiokol Propulsion. 1-01
- Fuel Cells - Zinc-Air (MetallicPower.com)
Describes a zinc-air fuel cell and compares it to zinc-air batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Zinc fuel can be transported more inexpensively, compactly, and safely than hydrogen. The zinc-air fuel cell can be regenerated (refueled) in minutes, compared to hours for a typical zinc-air battery. The fuel cell can also be regenerated conveniently with household electricity, while the batteries require specialists or large, expensive units for regeneration. Sometimes spelled zinc air. 5-01
- Geothermal Energy (Australian Renewable Energy Website)
Describes and provides diagrams of types of geothermal electric generators. 12-00
- Geothermal Energy (CNN)
Provides an article about expanded use of geothermal energy to provide electricity, especially for the western portions of the United States. 10-00
- Home Energy Efficiency Checklist (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy)
Provides suggestions for making your home more energy efficient. 5-02
- Home Energy Efficiency Suggestions (EIC, NEEA, and WSU EP)
Provides low-cost or no-cost solutions, suggestions that pay for themselves in under two years, and tips for saving energy in two to five years. 5-01
- How Electricity Gets to Your Home (Howstuffworks.com)
Describes how "power distribution grids" work. Explains alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC), power stations, transmission substations, and more. 5-01
- Infrared Photovoltaic Cells (J X Crystals)
Describes a new cell, thermophotovoltaic (TPV), that converts infrared light into electricity. It can be used in a furnace, for example, to convert wasted infrared heat into additional electricity. 6-01
- Insulation Needs for a Home (U.S. Department of Energy)
Provides recommendations for levels of insulation and shows where enegry losses are greatest. 12-00
- Lights - Compact Fluorescent (U.S. Department of Energy)
Provides information on compact fluorescent lights and why they are more energy efficient and less expensive (over a year) compared to standard bulbs. 12-00
- Nuclear Fuel Compared to Other Fuels (Uranium Information Centre)
Discusses use of nuclear energy. Provides information about how radioactive waste can be managed and compares nuclear pollution to other fuel sources.
- Ocean Thermal Energy (ACRE)
Describes and provides diagrams of types of ocean thermal energy generation. 12-00
- Reducing the Use of Gasoline (Oregonian - Yaden and Durning)
Suggests ways that the use of gasoline can be reduced. "Feebates are point-of-purchase incentives. Consumers pay a fee when buying vehicles with low gas mileage and collect rebates for buying more efficient ones. Such a program could quickly push the market toward more economic designs. With the nation's automobile fuel efficiency at a 20-year low, this is an especially important step." 2-02
- Schools - Energy Efficiency Tips for Schools (U.S. Department of Energy - Rebuild America)
"Energy consumption can vary widely from one school to the next but in general, the greatest potential for energy savings comes from improvement of:
Indoor lighting
Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems
Windows, doors, and insulation." 3-02- Scooters - CityBug (Five Flags Motorbikes)
Describes the electric scooter that gets up to 12 miles per charge, has a top speed of up to 13 miles per hour, weighs 48 pounds (including the lead-acid battery), and costs between 650 and 700 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Scooters - Electric Esarati (Esarati)
Describes the 3 horsepower motorscooter that goes up to 100 miles (with the extra battery pack), has a maximum speed of 50 mph, and costs under 3,400 dollars. A 10 horsepower model, the "Blackhawk," is also available. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Scooters - Electric Lectra VR24 (Motorbike.com)
Describes the motorscooter that can go up to 30 miles on a charge and can gain speeds up to 50 mph with a modification at the factory. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Scooters - Electric Lepton (ZEV Works)
Describes the electric scooter that gets up to 30 miles per charge, has a top speed of up to 25 miles per hour, and costs about 2,800 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Scooters - Electric Urban Express (Five Flags Motorbikes)
Describes the electric scooter that gets up to 20 miles per charge, get goes up to 22 miles per hour, weighs 78 pounds, and costs around 1,000 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Scooters - ZCruiser (Five Flags Motorbikes)
Describes the electric scooter that gets up to 15 miles per charge, has a top speed of up to 15 miles per hour, weighs 45 pounds (including the lead-acid battery), has no seat, and costs between 300 and 350 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Sustainable Business Practices - Engineering (BSR.org)
Provides methods a model business uses for environmental sustainability. 5-02
- Sustainable Transportation (CitySpan - City of San Francisco)
Provides the San Francisco plan for sustainability in transportation. 6-01
- TVs and VCRs - Energy Star Compliant (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Identifies energy efficient TVs, VCRs, and combinations. According to the EPA, "the energy generated to power American TVs and VCRs when they are switched off causes the air pollution equivalent to 2 million cars. Americans spend over $1 billion each year to power their TVs and VCRs when they are switched off. ENERGY STAR qualified TVs and VCRs consume as much as 75% less energy when switched 'off' than conventional models." 5-01
- Tips To Beat The Heat (applesforhealth)
Looking to beat the heat without breaking the bank? The Alliance to Save Energy offers some energy-efficient tips to keep you cooler and more comfortable while cutting your energy bill and pollution. 07-09-99.
- Tips for Improving Energy Efficiency in the Home (U.S. Department of Energy)
Provides recommendations related to each use of energy in the home. 9-01
- Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger Description (Time.com)
Describes how the electric, two-wheel personal transporter works. "Not only does it have no brakes, it also has no engine, no throttle, no gearshift and no steering wheel. And it can carry the average rider for a full day, nonstop, on only five cents' worth of electricity." The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01
- Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger Picture (HowStuffWorks.com)
Provides details of how an electric, two-wheel personal transporter works. The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01
- Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger Picture (Time.com)
Provides details of how an electric, two-wheel personal transporter works. The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01
- Usage of Energy in the Home (U.S. Department of Energy)
Provides the percentages for each use of energy in the home. 12-00
- Water - Saving Water And Waste (applesforhealth)
Rodale...a leading publisher of healthy active living information...offers some tips on ways to cut back on water usage.07-30-99.
- Water Heating in the Home (U.S. Department of Energy)
"Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 14% of your utility bill. There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, and buy a new, more efficient water heater." Also shows a chart of the percent of hot water used by common daily activities. 3-02
- Water Heating in the Home (U.S. Department of Energy)
Provides recommendations for keeping water heating costs low. 12-00
- Wind Generator Project - 70 Percent Efficiency (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
Provides information the AWT-26 wind turbine that triples the efficiency of the blades (airfoils). 1-01
- Windows - Energy Star Windows (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Provides information on windows that are energy efficient. Includes selection and location of Energy Star windows. 5-01
Purchase Resources
- Energy Conservation (U.S. Department of Energy)
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) provides projects, tips, and basic facts for kids to be more informed about energy conservation. 8-00
- Green School - How to Start a Green School (Alliance to Save Energy)
Provides the steps necessary to start a Green School within your community. A Green School involves teachers, students, administrators, school staff, parents, and the community in converting an existing school into an energy efficient school, with interactive projects for students. 8-00
- Renewable Energy (U.S. Department of Energy)
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) describes the various forms of renewable energy, such as biomass (ethanol, methanol, and biodiesel), photovoltaic, solar, wind power, methane (from trash), hydropower, and geothermal. 8-00
- Tree Planting (American Forests)
Provides information on tree planting. Research suggests that urban areas need at least 40 percent coverage of trees for good quality of life. Trees reduce pollution, keep water in the soil, provide oxygen to the air, and provide shade from the sun during the summer to reduce air conditioning costs. 9-01
- Alternative Energy Products (RealGoods.com)
Provides products to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but provides them as examples. 1-02
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