• Tips For Finding An Electricity Plan That Reduces Your Environmental Impact

    Posted in Other Stuff on August 12, 2019

    When someone says they want to reduce their environmental impact, the advice they’ll receive will vary, from using less to adopting green energy. Not everyone can put solar panels up on the roof or make other investments in renewable energy. But fortunately, everyone can choose an energy plan that reduces their environmental impact. Here are a few tips on how do to exactly that. 

    Shop Around 

    Don’t sign up to the first utility company that comes your way. Do your research regarding your options. You may be able to switch to an energy company that gets its power entirely from a mix of wind, solar, wave and geothermal power. If that’s not an option, you may still be able to lower your environmental footprint by switching from a company that uses mostly coal to natural gas, something that releases far less carbon dioxide per megawatt of energy produced. You could also subsidise certain projects. For example, some utility companies build micro-wind turbines or harness waste gases from landfills. By signing up for power from one of these companies, you’ll be investing in their research. Use iSelect to research what options there are in your area, compare electricity plans and identify the one that best aligns with your intentions. 

    Determine Which Plans Fit Your Long-Term Plans 

    You can switch to a green energy company today, but you’ll save more money if you take your time, research and sign a longer-term contract. It’s important to consider the energy plan alongside your own long-term plans. For example, if you want to put solar panels on the roof to lower your energy bill or get paid for the extra power it produces, ensure that the energy company you choose will support this. It may take the form of a special type of energy meter that can handle the flow of power into the grid and subtract that value off your energy bill. It may be an energy company that offers financing for solar panels and expert installation. Or it could be that they offer power plugs built into your home to provide green energy for your future electric car. 

    Don’t Forget the Price Tag 

    When you’re shopping for a new utility company, don’t forget the total price tag you have to pay. You may be able to find a greener energy provider and save on your utility bill. You may also be able to save energy by going with an energy plan that helps you to do more with less. Whether it’s a free energy audit, smart thermostat or rebates for upgrading your appliances to more energy efficient models, look for win-win deals with energy companies. For example, discounts on adding insulation to your house or putting in new double and triple pane windows, if you use service providers approved by the utility company. However, you shouldn’t sign up for a power plan based on incentives or rewards you may not be able to redeem. Don’t agree to cut your energy usage dramatically to take advantage of a lower price per kilowatt hour if it’s far below what you consume now. 

  • Sony Launches One Blue Ocean Project- An Initiative to Reduce Pollution by Ocean Plastics

    Posted in Awareness and Hype on August 2, 2019

    Sony today announced the launch of the One Blue Ocean Project, an initiative to reduce pollution by ocean plastics. The Project will promote efforts to reduce plastic usage worldwide, while also contributing to Sony’s own commitment to reducing its environmental footprint to zero by 2050. While promoting reduced use of plastics, the project will also encourage the collection and cleanup of litter from rivers, beaches and other locations around the world.

    The annual production of plastics has grown to around 20 times the level it was 50 years ago, but the rate of plastic recycling remains low, at only about 9%. This and other factors have made the problem of ocean plastic pollution more serious in recent years. The international community is beginning to make a greater effort to counteract the pollution of oceans with plastic waste. Along with the One Blue Ocean Project, Sony will accelerate its own efforts to reduce its environmental footprint to zero by the year 2050, a goal set forth in Sony’s “Road to Zero” long-term environmental plan, which was formulated in 2010.

     Certain Sony sites and group companies have already been engaged in cleanup activities at rivers, beaches and other locations around the world. These efforts will be expanded steadily to other Sony Group sites. Sony will also work to foster awareness among employees on its fight against ocean plastic pollution on occasions such as when recruiting volunteers and providing orientation on the days that cleanups take place. The volume of waste collected in these cleanups across the whole Sony Group will be announced, as well.

    Mobile development software: Things to follow up

    Posted in Other Stuff on July 19, 2019

    Block Chain

    We all know cryptocurrencies are currently very much in the buzz, they are acceptable by many countries, business and technological companies. Forecasts show, in future block chain technology revenues will experience massive growth in the coming years as with the market expected to climb to over 23.3 billion U.S. dollars in size by 2023. The future analysis is key and mobile software developers should be aware of and capitalize this opportunity. How will they capitalize? Simply creating blockchain powered apps, smart contracts, and blockchain based software solutions. This will help businesses and startups to invests and the technology should be available to more people, so every opportunity should be exploited.

    Instant App mobile development

    Instant application are those apps which are not needed to be downloaded from Play Store or Apple Store. These apps also don’t require huge memory, very less memory is need for their installation. They provide basic functions of the websites and provides great experience. Examples of such apps include Hollar Inc., New York Times Crossword and Red Bull TV. These applications have greater conversion rates as compare too regular mobile applications. Therefore, it attracts the eyes of mobile software development as it is getting trendier and more popular. 

    Chatbots

    Chatbots are on the rise, mobile software developers already know about this and chatbots are already integrated on Facebook and other platforms, but this technology will flourish, and mobile software developers will have opportunities to keep tapping on. Chatbots will be widely used by companies for data insights and customer support programs. Healthcare also has chatbots which books and maintain appointments of doctors and answer queries. Chatbots are key element in companies’ strategies and job of software developer is to integrate this technology in instant apps and make available to people with ease and deliver companies values. 

    Augmented and Virtual Reality 

    Another trending technology, this also creates many possibilities for mobile software developers. Mobile companies are already investing huge to keep pace with this ‘beyond the screen’ technology. There are predictions that the market will be at $209 billion in 2022.  The best example of AR and VR is Pokemon Go, the mobile game which features virtual objects which you will se in your mobile app. The game is widely popular and sets the benchmark, it collected revenue of around $2.3 Billion and was downloaded more than approx. 752 million times.

    5G Technology

    This technology will change the landscape of smartphone industry, it is the trending topic of 2019 as Huawei and Google story emerges. The 5G technology will impact mobile software developer as they will have to enhance the functionality of their applications in relation to data security, speed, AR and VR and 3D gaming feature to their mobile apps. The developers must increase the compatibility of software according to thee changing dynamics of internet mobility. The mobile app developers must satisfy both the needs of limited speed internet to high speed internet, this is a real challenge.  

    You can follow these skills only when you are good developer of mobile software and to be good developer you must start with the basics and polish basic skills. To learn mobile software development there are various resources, most beneficial are online courses and certifications. These courses can brush up your basic skills and transform you as good mobile software developer.

    Dubai international airport now has the largest solar energy system

    Posted in Alternative Energy on July 16, 2019

    Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services today announced the successful installation of a solar energy system comprising 15,000 photovoltaic panels at Dubai International’s Terminal 2 – the largest at any airport in the region. With a capacity of 5MWp, the solar project will generate 7,483,500 kWh energy annually for Dubai Airports, resulting in savings worth AED3.3 million. 

    The project will reduce existing Terminal 2 load by approximately 29 percent, while also slashing annual CO2 emissions by 3,243 metric tonnes, which is equivalent to 53,617 tree seedlings grown for 10 years or 688 passenger vehicles driven for one year.

    The 4 Greenest Cars to Buy This Year

    Posted in Alternative Energy on July 13, 2019

    With rising concerns on the use of plastic and the burning of fossil fuels resulting in climate change, many drivers across the globe are investing in environmentally friendly cars. Back in the late 1990s, Toyota released the first mass-produced hybrid car, the Toyota Prius. Since then, almost every big-name car manufacturer has one line of hybrid or electric cars to choose from. As technology continues to develop, new innovations are being made to make electric and hybrid cars the norm. If you want to take action and make our world a little greener, take a look at four of the greenest cars available today.

    1. 2019 Toyota Prius 

    Being the first mass-produced hybrid car, it’s only right to keep the Toyota Prius on our list. The 2019 Toyota Prius Prime continues to make driving greener with a 640-mile total range with 54 miles per gallon. With high fuel efficiency and tax incentives, getting into this car is cheaper than ever. You can even get available electronic all-wheel-drive with 50 miles per gallon—the highest mpg of any vehicle that has electronic AWD. Other specs include:

    • – Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
    • – Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Pre-Collision System
    • – Backup Camera Display
    • – Engine immobilizer
    • – 1.8-Liter, 4-cylinder Aluminum DOHC 16-Valve with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)

    If you want to make your car even greener, you can take some matters in your own hands. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment as under-inflated tires make your engine work harder and burn more fuel. You should also remove any unnecessary weight, such as heavy luggage, as more weight also requires your engine to work harder. Finally, schedule regular maintenance tune-ups with oil changes, which is around once every twelve months for most Prius models. 

    2. Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV

    If you’re looking for a luxury hybrid car that blends performance with innovative green technology, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is the way to go. This Mercedes can not only rush from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, but it can also return to 56 miles per gallon. With its EQ Power gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain and 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine, this GLC is a force to be reckoned with. 

    Before taking the plunge and investing in a car like this, you can always schedule a test drive at a Mercedes dealership near Houston or a dealership near Bangor, to see if this is the green car for you. No matter where you live, see why these features are worth investing in:

    • – Mercedes in-car WiFi
    • – Active Distance Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist
    • – Smartphone integration
    • – Active LED headlamps
    • – Active Parking Assist
    • – COMAND navigation with 8.4-inch screen

    Having a luxury car doesn’t mean you can’t be environmentally conscious. Mercedes-Benz and other luxury car brand manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and creating cars with intuitive technology to make our world a little bit greener. 

    3. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

    With a clean aerodynamic shape and advanced technology, the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is another top contender for the greenest car this year. With 58 MPG combined, and 57 city and 59 highway MPG, you can certainly go the distance in this sleek hybrid. Or, you can opt for the Ioniq electric, so you never have to stop for gas again. And, the Ionic plug-in hybrid blends the best of both worlds with a mile range up to 630 miles with EV/gas combined. Take a look at what else the Hyundai Ioniq has up its sleeve:

    • – Available Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
    • – Available Lane Keep Assist
    • – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • – Wireless device charging
    • – Proximity key
    • – Available Integrated Memory System

    Dubbed as the most fuel-efficient car in America, the Hyundai Ioniq has made a name for itself in the world of environmentally friendly vehicles. Not only does this car save the planet, but it also saves you money with less spent on gas.

    4. BMW i3

    Another luxury brand that’s making waves in the eco-friendly car industry. Electrify inspiration in this fashionable sedan anywhere you go with its 153-mile range. Running only on electricity, the BMW i3 can get you from the border of Mexico up to LA without paying a cent on gas (even with traffic!). This revolutionary BMW can fully charge in under 6 hours so you can get from point A to point B in no time. Here’s what else this green sedan offers:

    • – Eucalyptus wood and olive leaf tanned leather are some natural interior design options
    • – Easy to charge at home or at public stations
    • – Receive federal and state tax incentives
    • – Automatic climate control
    • – Comfort Access keyless entry
    • – On-board computer with Check Control
    • – Bluetooth wireless technology

    With over 58,000 charging stations nationwide, be prepared to see more of these BMW i3 sedans driving around town. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’ll never run out of power with convenient charging stations nearby, anywhere you go.

    Wrapping Up

    2019 has been the year of change, and it’s not over yet. With both standard car manufacturers and luxury car brands tapping into the eco-friendly car market, you can expect to see a difference on our planet in years to come. These four green cars only tap the surface of the dozens of car brands and models who make eco-friendly cars. When looking for one of your own, find one that matches your lifestyle and personality, and we thank you for being conscious about keeping our world clean.

    Yamaha to Launch EC-05 Electric Scooter in Taiwan on August 1

    Posted in Transport on June 28, 2019

    Yamaha Motor today announced that it will launch the EC-05 electric scooter in Taiwan on August 1, 2019. In September 2018, Yamaha Motor began a study with Gogoro Inc., working towards collaboration in the EV business in the Taiwan market. The EC-05 electric scooter has been developed as a result of that collaboration. Designed by Yamaha Motor based on the platform of a Gogoro production vehicle, the EC-05 will be sold under the Yamaha brand through the sales channels of local subsidiary Yamaha Motor Taiwan.

    The EC-05 will be able to use the more than 1,200 GoStation battery-swapping stations installed in Taiwan by Gogoro Energy Network. Production of the EC-05 will be undertaken by Gogoro.

    Yamaha aims to reduce CO2 emissions from their products by 50% by 2050 compared to 2010 levels, and are promoting the manufacture and sale of compact electrically-powered products as one method of addressing this issue. The EC-05 represents the first launch under the electric product strategy in this Medium-Term Management Plan period, with more releases to come Yamaha Motor. The EC-05 will be launched in Taiwan on August 1st for approximately $3,220. The EC-05 is the fifth electric motorcycle launched by Yamaha Motor, after the Passol in 2002, the EC-02 in 2005, the EC-03 in 2010, and the E-Vino in 2014.

    Solar Powered Cylindrical Flower Bed Automatically Waters Plants in Japan

    Posted in Alternative Energy on June 14, 2019

    Katsushika Ward in Tokyo, Panasonic and Katsushika Full-of-flowers Urban Development Promotion Council have concluded an agreement on technical cooperation concerning the “Flower Merry-Go-Round” three-dimensional (3D) flower bed, which automatically waters followers by using solar electricity. The Flower Merry-Go-Round is a cylindrical 3D flower bed and is equipped with an automatic sprinkler that powers a pump with solar electricity. This technology enables to maintain and manage a flower bed at low costs. The flower bed has a 12W solar panel on its top and a programmable timer for adjusting the watering time in accordance with season and plant. The capacity of the water tank is 200L. The flower bed is developed mainly by Katsushika Full-of-flowers Urban Development Promotion Council along with local companies,

    For the flower bed, 104 flower pots (13 rows x 8) can be installed, and sunlight can be evenly applied by turning the flower pots by hand (they can be turned by 360°). The height and diameter of the pot are 1,880 and 900mm, respectively. Panasonic’s mist generator will be used to the Flower Merry-Go-Round as a cooling measure so that people can stay in public spaces with comfort in summer. The power supply of the mist generator is not powered from the solar panel of the Flower Merry-Go-Round. Katsushika Ward aims to install the flower bed at the sites of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic/Paralympic Games.

    Fujitsu expands its initiative to reduce plastic use in business activities to resolve ocean plastic waste problem

    Posted in Awareness and Hype on June 11, 2019

    Fujitsu Limited today announced that the Fujitsu Group is expanding its initiative to reduce plastic use in business activities to resolve the ocean plastic waste problem. Recently, oceanic pollution from plastic waste has been spreading, and there are concerns about the impact on the ecosystem due to the harm caused by oceanic plastic waste to many marine animals. The Fujitsu Group perceives this as one of the most important global environmental issues next to climate change, and has taken various measures worldwide to reduce plastic waste and the use of plastic in its business activities. Fujitsu has promoted the use of fewer resources in its products and packaging, making them recyclable and reducing waste in its offices. Through these efforts, Fujitsu will work on a global scale to raise employee awareness of the plastic waste problem, contributing to accomplishing the SDGs.

    Beginning today, Fujitsu is further expanding its efforts by ending the use of plastic cups and straws, while no longer offering plastic bottled drinks in meeting spaces and café. In addition, plastic bottled drinks in vending machines on company property will be gradually replaced with cans or paper cartons, thereby reducing the number of plastic bottles used from about 7 million per year to zero. Plastic bags will also be eliminated from convenience stores and other shops on company property, with the goal of encouraging employees carry around reusable bags. To strengthen efforts relating to business activities, Fujitsu will furthermore collaborate with external second-hand goods companies. Going forward, the Fujitsu Group will reduce the amount of plastic it uses across its supply chain, while cutting down plastic waste.

    Ford Recycles 1.2 Billion Recycled Plastic Bottles Per year for Vehicle Parts

    Posted in Recycle, Uncategorized on June 10, 2019

    Ford Motor is playing a major role in promoting environmentally friendly auto parts, and one way they’re doing that is by using recycled plastic bottles for underbody shields on all cars and SUVs, and wheel liners on F-Series trucks – up to 250 bottles per vehicle. Recycled bottles are used to manufacture parts that can help improve vehicle aerodynamics and reduce cabin noise. In the past decade, aerodynamics has driven the need for underbody shields, and the use of plastics in vehicle parts is used globally, and has grown exponentially – Ford uses about 1.2 billion recycled plastic bottles per year – about 250 bottles per vehicle on average.

    When plastic bottles are thrown into a recycling bin, they are collected with thousands of others, and shredded into small pieces. That’s typically sold to suppliers who turn it into a fiber, by melting the bottle and extruding it. Those fibers are mixed together with other various types of fiber in a textile process and used to make a sheet of material – which is formed into the automotive parts. Due to its light weight, recycled plastic is ideal for the manufacture of underbody shields, engine under shield and front and rear wheel arch liners that can help improve vehicle aerodynamics. These shields also help create a significantly quieter environment on the all-new 2020 Ford Escape.

    Environmentally, using recycled plastics on vehicle parts helps reduce the amount of plastic that can end up in dangerous situations, such as the Pacific gyre, for example – a floating mass of plastic bigger than the size of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean.

    South Korean researchers develop a simple and efficient process to make clean energy from carbon dioxide

    Posted in Alternative Energy on June 4, 2019

    A group of South Korean researchers on Tuesday said they have developed a simple and efficient process to make clean energy from carbon dioxide (CO2), which is cited as a major cause of global warming.