Did you know that Geothermal energy represents one of mans earliest forms of renewable energy? That’s right, since prehistoric times man has harnessed the inert insulating R-values offered by the earth. As Contemporary man we could learn a lot from our predecessors. By living in caves, early man was protected from the harsh brutality of all the earths other surprises. Not only were they sheltered from wind, rain, snow, cold, heat, and storms, but their bunkers also gave them security from other threats and predators.

As we evolved we departed the relative security of our underground homes to dwell in the comfort of Houses, apartment buildings, and condominiums. Perhaps there weren’t enough caves to go around, or maybe people didn’t want to live in the dark. Well geothermal energy is still available and I suspect it always will be. The good news is that we don’t have to live in the dark to enjoy the many benefits of living underground.

Underground Homes, otherwise known as Earth Shelters, are truly the most energy efficient homes available today as they utilizing all of earths comforting properties. However there are many ways to harness this energy while living on top of the earth. The future of geothermal energy is now! The uses vary greatly and include large scale energy production as well as individual home energy solutions.

The process of converting oil to energy is only 50% efficient while converting geothermal to energy is 80% efficient. The potential for this form of renewable energy is absolutely enormous. Modern day applications include:

• Heat (in the form radiant floors)
• Air Conditioning
• Hot water
• Swimming Pool Heating and cooling
• And much more!

The common misconception is that these applications can only be used in new homes. The truth is that existing homes and their systems can be retrofitted to accept geothermal applications.

Industry and business would benefit dramatically with the implementation of Geothermal Energy Practices. Consider the food industry. There is an enormous amount of energy expended in the dehydration of food products as well as refrigeration. Industry that uses drying as a part of their manufacturing process such as lumber companies are prime candidates. Heating and cooling large commercial spaces or businesses that use an abundance of hot and cold water such as commercial laundromats would experience huge savings as well. The possibilities are endless. Home owners. CEO’s, managers and business planners alike would benefit greatly from retrofitting existing plants and operations, and those who are building for the future would see significant savings in both the short and long term.

Geothermal energy accounts for over 9700 megawatts of electrical energy and that number is expected to climb fast. The earth holds an estimated 42 million megawatts of attainable energy at all times. In fact Sweden has the largest geothermal system in the world and has decreased it’s dependence on fossil fuels by 70% and is on track to be free of oil energy reliance by the year 2020.

Technorati Tags: alternative energy, environment, geothermal energy, geothermal heat, renewable energy

What if you could wrap your home in something as beautiful, breathable, form fitting and environmentally friendly as your own skin? You can! Watch from BGTV’s informative and enlightening episode on natural plasters for today’s eco-beautiful home. (And it never needs painting!) Here are some highlights.

Duration : 0:1:48

Technorati Tags: building, earthen, eco-friendly, environment, exteriors, green, lime, plaster, strawbale

The Fullmer Family of Fairview, Utah build a straw bale house. A “Phil & Friends Vignette.”

Duration : 0:4:16

Technorati Tags: bale, environment, house, straw

http://StrawBaleHomes.org
A short clip about the benefits of straw bale construction…
If your interested in learning natural building, visit http://StrawBaleHomes.org for workshop dates…

Duration : 0:1:41

Technorati Tags: bale, building, construction, diy, efficient;, energy, environment, good, green, homes, idea, natural, passive, solar, straw, wind

I ran across these great Earth Homes over at…   http://www.decodedstuff.com

“Being so very far from the cosmopolitan living in the tallest buildings of the world, going back to basic is turning more and more viable every day as living space is concerned. Following the same concept like the Frodo’s den in the famous “Lord of the rings” movie, the Earth House is the living proof how we can use the ground as shelter.

Taking under consideration that a completely ecological living space must have a perfect insulation system and leave zero carbon foot print over the environment, the Earth House concept must be considered an example for any building project.”

Take a look at some more Earth Sheltered Homes like these

These homes are not only Eco Friendly but absolutely stunning. The advantages to living in an earth home include long term financial savings as well.

Technorati Tags: earth homes, Earth House, Eco Friendly Homes, environment, underground homes, Underground Houses

Can you capture energy from dancers?

Duration : 59 sec

Technorati Tags: environment

Bill Moyers Journal: Buying the War
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 9 PM on PBS (check local listings)

How the administration marketed the war to the American people has been well covered, but critical questions remain: How and why did the press buy it, and what does it say about the role of journalists in helping the public sort out fact from propaganda?

On Wednesday, April 25 at 9 P.M. on PBS (check local listings), watch “Buying the War,” a 90-minute documentary that explores the role of the press in the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq.

Two days later on April 27, the Bill Moyers Journal airs its regular timeslot on Fridays at 9 P.M. with interviews and news analysis of underreported stories across an array of beats, including: the environment, media, politics, the economy, arts and culture, and social issues.

Duration : 4 min 49 sec

Technorati Tags: environment

What are all these lies?!

Duration : 10 min 45 sec

Technorati Tags: environment

Hal Burton (among others) represent candidate Rich-CorprorateSon (a corporation and therefore a stuffed dummy).
End Corporate Personhood www.ecporegon.org
"Return Democracy to We the People"
The End Corporate Personhood Action Group is an Oregon-based organization, part of a national movement, dedicated to the non-partisan goal of preserving constitutional rights for human beings – giving all non-human legal entities privileges, to be granted and revoked at the will of We the People. Thus restoring democracy in America
Thom Hartmann www.thomhartmann.com
Thom is the author of the new book, " Screwed: The UNDECLARED WAR Against the Middle Class – and what we can do about it"
"The American middle class is on its deathbed. Ordinary folks who put in a solid day's work can no longer afford to buy a house, send their kids to college, or even get sick. If you're not a CEO, you're probably screwed.
In his latest book, Air America host Thom Hartmann shows how the American middle class that was so carefully construc…

Duration : 1 hr 10 min 33 sec

Technorati Tags: environment

It's an important lesson for children to learn how to care for their planet. Engaging books are a good place to start.

Duration : 1 min 49 sec

Technorati Tags: environment