30 Jun, 2014 By Mary
Hydropower generates electricity at off-grid farm

A family living in a remote part of the North York Moors are proving that hydropower really works.

The National Trust owned farm is situated seven miles from the nearest town, surrounded by moorland, has no neighbours, no mains gas, no mains water and no mains electricity. The farmhouse was originally built in 1707 and when the family moved in in 1995 there was no central heating, electric kettle, toaster, fridge, washing machine – in fact there was no electrical mod cons of any description. Bottled gas was used for the cooker and a diesel generator operated  in the evenings only.

The generator was expensive to run because of the cost of diesel (approx £5,000 per year),  spare parts for the generator because it was running for so many hours every day, maintenance, filters etc .

Adding the clear panes before covering the hydropower turbine

The family contacted the electricity board about installing an electricity supply but because their farm was so remote and they were surrounded by moors the cables would have to go underground and this was just too expensive and would also have had an adverse affect on the landscape.

The stream running pass the farmhouse made hydro power seem the obvious choice for power generation but the shallow gradient of the stream initially caused problems because at the time they couldn’t find a suitable turbine for the low head site.

BonfieldGhyll2p
Photo Credit: Mannpower Consulting Ltd

They then heard about the Archimedean Screw hydropower turbine which operates at low heads heads from 1m – 10m.  Mann Power Consulting Ltd brought the Archimedean Screw turbine into the UK for the first time, and has been at the forefront of supplying this equipment for hydro generation projects since 2004.  After visiting an Archimedean Screw  hydropower project  the family decided that this was indeed a viable option for them to eventually generate electricity.

The North York Moors National Park Authority had also just started a sustainable development fund and the families’ landlord, the National Trust, were keen to tap into that. In 2007 Mannpower Consulting Ltd were  engaged to design and install the Archimedean Screw.

Photo Credit: Mannpower Consulting Ltd

After carrying out a feasibility study it was decided that the best option for the site was an enclosed compact Archimedean Screw hydro turbine as it would not adversely affect property downstream or wildlife. Each Archimedean Screw hydropower turbine is manufactured to be site specific. The enclosed compact allowed the turbine to be positioned underground, minimising its impact on the environment.

Three clear panels enable the screw to be monitored and also allow the workings to be visible to the public. This also allows it to be used to educate the public about hydropower and alternative energy sources.

The Archimedean Screw hydropower turbine blending into the landscape

Rated at 1.0kW and a capacity of 100 l/s and an estimated annual output of 3,500kWh the hydro turbine is predicted to save in excess of 1 tonne of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually. An underground cable connects the generator to the control panel in the farmhouse via the batteries and inverter located in the store near the farmhouse. The family can now operate appliances for their home especially a fridge freezer and lights at night – necessities they couldn’t have while using a diesel generator.

Extra batteries were added to the storage so that they can, if fully charged, power the farm for almost a week in the event of no water flow. The family have also installed a solar pv panel to boost their electricity and also a solar thermal panel to supply their hot water needs.

Green energy has made a huge difference to the lives of this family. Is this something you would consider doing?

 

 

 

24 Jun, 2014 By Mary
Chooseday’s Choice! ~ What energy rating are your appliances?

Where does your energy go?

Under EU law domestic appliances including dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, fridges, freezers and ovens in Ireland must display an energy rating label when offered for sale. These labels are designed to help consumers  make an informed decision about the energy consumption of domestic appliances. The labels are clear and concise, and provide useful information such as the appliances energy consumption (kWh) and noise level (dB).  An important component of the energy label is the energy efficiency rating which is scaled from ‘A’ which is most energy efficient to ‘G’  which is the least energy efficient. It’s hoped that consumers will be more mindful of the potential energy consumption of appliances and choose a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly model.

You Choose!

a ratedIn an attempt to keep up with advances in energy efficiency and the increased energy efficiency levels achieved in the design of certain electrical appliances by manufacturers the EU created the following new ratings  A+, A++ and A+++ for domestic fridges, freezer and fridge freezers.

Labelling

The energy labels are separated into at least four categories:

  • The appliance’s details: according to each appliance, specific details, of the model and its materials
  • Energy class:  rated from A+, A++, A+++, A to G which gives an idea of the appliance’s electrical consumption
  • Consumption, efficiency, capacity, etc.
  • Noise: the noise emitted by the specific appliance when in operation

Green Your Appliances or you will be shocked too 🙂

a rated 3
Credit: Cartoon by Valdman

Did you know?

An ‘A’ rated appliance will use about 55% of the electricity of a similarly sized appliance with a ‘D’ rating. Always look for the energy label and purchase ‘A’ rated appliances where possible, they can save their replacement cost over their lifetime and benefit the environment. By purchasing an ‘A’ rated fridge instead of a ‘C’ rated one, each household could save €14 per annum or collectively €18m nationally, with CO2 savings of over 85,000 tonnes annually.

Remember: by buying energy efficient appliances you are not only reducing your energy bills and saving money you are also helping the environment. The next time a kitchen appliance needs replacing check out the energy ratings of each appliance (which should be clearly displayed on every product) and purchase the most energy efficient one that you can afford. The better the energy rating the more money you will save on your energy bills. If all your household appliances are A rated it is possible to save up to €100 on your yearly energy bill.

What energy rating are your kitchen appliances? When purchasing a new appliance does the energy rating make a difference to your final decision?

An ‘A’ rated appliance will use about 55% of the electricity of a similarly sized appliance with a ‘D’ rating. Always look for the energy label and purchase ‘A’ rated appliances where possible, they can save their replacement cost over their lifetime and benefit the environment.

By purchasing an ‘A’ rated fridge instead of a ‘C’ rated one, each household could save €14 per annum or collectively €18m nationally, with CO2 savings of over 85,000 tonnes annually.

– See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Schools/Post_Primary/Subjects/Home_Economics_JC/Appliances/#sthash.5z4UPxes.dpuf

An ‘A’ rated appliance will use about 55% of the electricity of a similarly sized appliance with a ‘D’ rating. Always look for the energy label and purchase ‘A’ rated appliances where possible, they can save their replacement cost over their lifetime and benefit the environment.

By purchasing an ‘A’ rated fridge instead of a ‘C’ rated one, each household could save €14 per annum or collectively €18m nationally, with CO2 savings of over 85,000 tonnes annually.

– See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Schools/Post_Primary/Subjects/Home_Economics_JC/Appliances/#sthash.5z4UPxes.dpuf

An ‘A’ rated appliance will use about 55% of the electricity of a similarly sized appliance with a ‘D’ rating. Always look for the energy label and purchase ‘A’ rated appliances where possible, they can save their replacement cost over their lifetime and benefit the environment.

By purchasing an ‘A’ rated fridge instead of a ‘C’ rated one, each household could save €14 per annum or collectively €18m nationally, with CO2 savings of over 85,000 tonnes annually.

– See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Schools/Post_Primary/Subjects/Home_Economics_JC/Appliances/#sthash.5z4UPxes.dpuf

An ‘A’ rated appliance will use about 55% of the electricity of a similarly sized appliance with a ‘D’ rating. Always look for the energy label and purchase ‘A’ rated appliances where possible, they can save their replacement cost over their lifetime and benefit the environment.

By purchasing an ‘A’ rated fridge instead of a ‘C’ rated one, each household could save €14 per annum or collectively €18m nationally, with CO2 savings of over 85,000 tonnes annually.

– See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Schools/Post_Primary/Subjects/Home_Economics_JC/Appliances/#sthash.5z4UPxes.dpuf

17 Jun, 2014 By Mary
Burning of waste ~ Not in my back yard!

The burning of waste is illegal and is subject to prosecution.

Burning of waste is not only a nuisance to neighbours; it can release many harmful chemicals into the air you breathe.  Many people may think that they are doing the right thing in reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and saving money but they are both causing long term environmental pollution and interfering with the lives of others living in their area.  Burning waste in your home or garden can damage your health, as well as that of your children and your neighbours.  Such illegal practices lead to the release of toxic dioxins which are a real hazard for peoples’ health and the environment.

Burning of waste is illegal ~ Credit Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Burning of waste is illegal ~ Credit Dept. of Environmental Conservation

In September 2009, a law concerning waste disposal by burning came into force. These regulations make explicit the offence of disposal of waste by uncontrolled burning and prohibits such disposal within the curtilage of a dwelling. If reported, there is a hefty fine to be paid but the threat of this hasn’t stopped the back yard burning of waste which is still the norm in some households across the country. The term ‘backyard burning’ also refers to the burning of any waste in open fires, ranges and other solid fuel appliances or in the open. It includes the burning of green waste and also to the burning of waste on building sites.

Why is it still a common place sight around the country? – are people not aware of the risks to their health and the damage caused to the environment, is it to avoid paying for regular waste collection services, do they believe they are reducing waste or is it just too inconvenient to separate waste and reuse or recycle it?  Years ago it was traditional to burn waste but today there is absolutely no excuse for it!

Stop before you strike that match! 

Photo Credit: www.wikihow.com
Photo Credit: www.wikihow.com

Today, bleached paper, plastic packaging or plastic products, and printed materials with glues, plastic coatings and coloured inks make up a large portion of society’s waste. When these items are burned in low temperature fires like those that take place in a backyard burn barrel, very high levels of toxic chemicals and fine particulate matter are released with the smoke. Many of these toxins don’t readily break down, leading to accumulation and persistence in the environment.

What harm am I doing I hear you ask!

Backyard burning is far more harmful to our health than previously thought. The compounds in the smoke that comes from the burning can increase the risk of heart disease, aggravate respiratory ailments such as asthma and emphysema, and cause rashes, nausea, or headaches. Backyard burning also produces harmful quantities of dioxins, a group of highly toxic chemicals that settle on crops and in our waterways where they eventually wind up in our food and affect our health.

Burning of waste - not in my backyard
 Photo Credit:  chemicalfreelife.org

Sounds scary doesn’t it?  Well it is! And you need to STOP!

Dioxins

Studies have shown that only small amounts of chlorinated materials in waste are required to support dioxin formation when burning waste. This means that even when materials containing high levels of chlorine, such as PVC, are removed from household waste, burning the waste still creates dioxins because nearly all household waste contains trace amounts of chlorine.  Much of the dioxins created and released into the air through backyard burning settle on plants. These plants are, in turn, eaten by meat and dairy animals, which store the dioxins in their fatty tissue.

People are then exposed to dioxins primarily by eating the meat, fish, and dairy products, especially those high in fat. Backyard burning occurs most commonly in rural areas where dioxin emissions can more easily be deposited on animal feed crops and grazing lands. These dioxins then accumulate in the fats of dairy cows, beef, poultry, and pigs, making human consumption of these harmful chemicals is difficult to avoid.

Particle pollution

Microscopic particles with a diameter smaller than a human hair are released from back yard burning and pollute the air. Shutting the windows and doors of your home will not protect you from fine particle pollution because the particles are so small that they will infiltrate even the best quality double-paned windows and doors. These particles that are small enough to get into the lungs and can cause numerous health problems. Particles can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and have been associated with heartbeat irregularities and heart attacks. People with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and children are at highest risk from exposure to particles.

Make clean air a priority!
Make clean air a priority!

Carbon Monoxide

Another major pollutant generated by backyard burning is carbon monoxide. At low levels of exposure to Carbon Monoxide, humans may experience a variety of neurological symptoms including headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Carbon monoxide  is a colorless, odorless gas emitted from combustion processes.  At extremely high levels Carbon Monoxide can cause death!

Ash

Backyard burning also produces ash residue, which can contain toxic metals such as mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic.  These metals can be toxic when ingested. When a person ingests hazardous amounts of lead, for example, he or she may experience high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, and brain damage. Unaware of the potential danger, some people scatter the ash in their gardens or bury it on their property. Garden vegetables can absorb and accumulate these metals, which can make them dangerous to eat. Children playing in the yard or garden can incidentally ingest soil containing these metals. Also, rain can wash the ash into groundwater and surface water, contaminating drinking water and food.

What are the alternatives I hear you ask?

Avoid making waste in the first place and you won’t have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later. Changing your habits is the key — think about ways you can reduce your waste when you shop, work and play. There’s a ton of ways for you to reduce waste, save yourself some time and money, and be good to the environment at the same time.

Photo Credit: Backyard Burning by Theodore W. Marcy,
Photo Credit: Backyard Burning by Theodore W. Marcy,

Follow these simple steps and STOP BACK YARD BURNING TODAY!

  • DO NOT BURN WASTE.
  • Avoid over packaged products and choose packaging that can be recycled
  • Separate your waste and if you don’t have a recycle bin take recyclable waste to your nearest Civic Amenity Centres
  • Compost Organic Waste
  • Use only Properly Permitted and Regulated waste collectors and waste facilities.

Does back yard burning still take place in your locality? What steps do you take to reduce your waste both at home and in the workplace?

Some other great blog posts worth reading on this subject:

Should we be burning plastic – that’s the burning question?

A new breed of gangsters

 

 

 

10 Jun, 2014 By Mary
Global Wind Day 2014 – Ireland

Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on 15 June. It is a day for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world. This year sees wind farms across Ireland hosting an array of events to celebrate wind energy. The activity dates vary and some are hosting public wind farm open-days so that families can learn about wind energy and see the turbines in operation themselves, whilst others are inviting schools for fun, games and facts on wind.

It is also a day for discovery of the work that has already begun by pioneers around the world. In more than 75 countries around the world, wind farms are in operation, generating energy from a clean and renewable source.

Thousands of individuals are involved in the production of energy from the wind, but for many people, wind energy is a mystery. Global Wind Day is the day when you can visit wind farms, meet experts, attend events and find out everything you want to know about wind energy.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA ) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC ) coordinate the Global Wind Day through a network of partners. The day started as a European one in 2007 and went Global in 2009. On 15 June, thousands of public events are organised all over the world.

Global Wind Day Events around Ireland 2014. Photo Credit: IWEA
Global Wind Day Events around Ireland 2014. Photo Credit: IWEA

How it all began:

The Wind Day was first held in 2007, as the European Wind Day organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). The main idea was to connect a network of partners as well as using centralised communication tools, press releases and distribution of gadgets and coordinate of event organised by national wind energy associations and companies active in the wind energy field. The Wind Day in 2007 reached 18 countries, with a participation of around 35,000 people. By 2008, the event’s reach extended to 20 European countries and attracted 100,000 people.

In 2009, EWEA joined forces with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and extended the reach from European associations and companies to coordinate Wind Day events across the globe. That year, the 300 events in 35 countries across the globe reached up to 1,000,000 people.

In 2010 and 2011 between 220 and 230 events took place in around 30 countries. Since 2009, Global Wind Day has reached more than 1,000,000 people plus the thousands of people engaging and supporting the event through online means such as social media.

Last year was a great success in Ireland  with over 1000 people visiting wind farms across the country. This year sees a number of wind farms across Ireland hosting an array of events to celebrate wind energy. The activity dates vary and some are hosting family days whilst others are inviting schools for fun, games and facts on wind.

Events organised around Ireland to celebrate Global Wind Day – Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA)

9 Jun, 2014 By Mary
‘Life Lives on the Edge’ – conservation of biodiversity

Last year Wexford County Council introduced a pilot project ‘Life Lives on the Edge’ in four locations throughout the county to increase wildflowers along the National roads. The plan is to encourage an increased biodiversity of flora and fauna along our roadways. This is the first project of its kind in Ireland. The overall aim of the project is to enhance or rediscover the range of visible biodiversity that potentially exists along Wexford roads. The designated areas vary in length and their boundaries will be defined by signposts at either end of the vegetated strips. These signposts will be recognisable by the projects slogan “Life Lives on the Edge”, which aims to highlight the importance of road verges and hedgerows as crucial wildlife corridors for Wexford’s flora and fauna.

'Life Lives on the Edge' - conservation of biodiversity
Photo Credit: Wexford County Council Environment Section

In recent times, excessive concern with neatness on roadsides has led to development of verge management specifications that are not compatible with conservation of biodiversity, weed control or cost-effective vegetation management. This project is concentrated on maintaining the roadside vegetation at the four pilot sites thereby achieving biodiversity goals without neglecting safety or infrastructural maintenance objectives. These areas have been initially cut once in February/March and again in September. This should encourage the establishment of native wildflower abundance on the edge of our roads.

Beautiful wildflowers destroyed with Herbicide use
Beautiful wildflowers destroyed with Herbicide use

It’s not just the severe cutting back of roadside verges and hedgegrows that’s not compatable with the conservation of biodiversity. The use of herbicides to kill weeds and vegetation on road verges is also a huge problem that needs to be addressed. It removes seed producing plants important for many species, and destroys cover and travel corridors for wildlife. Bees, our most important food pollinators are in decline, so too are butterflies, birds and many insects and this is due directly to the over use of herbicides and pesticides.

Life lives on the Edge - Conservation of biodiversity
Another section of roadside biodiversity destroyed by herbicides

Ireland has a diverse and astounding collection of wildflowers some of which are sadly now in decline. Our obsession with tidy landscaped gardens, roadside verges and not allowing wildflowers to grow and our overuse of herbicides and pesticides are a contributing factor for our wildflower decline. This in turn has a knock on affect on our native bees which are now in decline partly due to the loss of habitat and this poses risks for agricultural crops that depend on bees for pollination.

Life lives on the Edge - Conservation of biodiversity
Selection of wildflowers on a roadside in Co. Wexford

Pollinator habitats can attract domestic honeybees, but also wild bees and other wild beneficial insect species. These beneficial species include many different wasps, beetles, predatory mites, and more. These beneficial insects prey upon the kinds of insects that damage crops, so keeping them around can help reduce pesticide applications.

Life lives on the Edge - Conservation of biodiversity
More beautiful wildflowers on a roadside in Co. Wexford

So what can we do to help conserve our biodiversity and increase our pollinator habitat?

  • Extending the ‘Life Lives on the Edge’ project being piloted in Co. Wexford to all counties to help increase our pollinator habitats. One of the areas designated for this pilot scheme is quite near my home and since the pilot began there is a marked increase in wildflowers on that section of roadway.
  • Plant native wildflowers in our gardens or leave a strip of un-mown grass to encourage wildflowers. Most Tidy Towns groups are doing this to help increase our pollinator habitat.
Life lives on the Edge - Conservation of biodiversity
Beautiful native Irish wildflowers

The selection of wildflowers in the photos were taken on a 1km stretch of road during the week. I’m sure if I had looked closer I would have spotted some more but these are the ones that caught my eye as I strolled along the road.

What are you doing to help conserve biodiversity and increase our pollinator habitats?

3 Jun, 2014 By Mary
Chooseday’s Choice! ~ Herbicides – yes or no?

Herbicides, such as those formulated with glyphosate, are non-selective. Non-selective herbicides kill ALL plant types, including grasses, perennials and woody plants not just weeds. Improper application or wind drift can kill non-targeted plants. Because it gets absorbed into the plant mainly through its leaves, and also through its soft stalk tissue, the entire plant will be affected. Glyphosate travels through the plant, affecting its metabolism and killing the entire plant slowly. Once sprayed, plants display stunted growth, loss of green coloration, leaf wrinkling or malformation and finally, tissue death.

You Choose!

IMG_5411 (1024x1024)Herbicides can contaminate the soil and pollute waterways, negatively affecting wildlife and the environment. Herbicides can affect plants that are important to wildlife survival. Killing weeds and vegetation on road verges removes seed producing plants important for many species, and destroys cover and travel corridors for wildlife. Bees, our most important food pollinators are in decline, so too are butterflies, birds and many insects and this is due directly to the over use of herbicides. It’s not just the wildlife that is affected by spraying herbicides it is also known to cause cancer, birth defects, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and more.

IMG_5410 (1024x1024)

We need to start thinking about the damage we are causing by spraying herbicides along the verges and in our gardens. More and more of us need to start shouting to get our voices heard with the focus on the banning of harmful Glyphosate herbicides.  The Dutch parliament are banning the sale of Glyphosate herbicides to private persons from the end of 2015.  If the Dutch can do it well then why can’t we follow suit?

There’s nothing nicer than walking along a country road with the lush green foliage gently swaying in the breeze and  the scent of wild flowers wafting through the air. The photos above were taken on a 1km stretch of road in two different locations. Which would you prefer – the lovely green verges full of wildflowers or the dead and dreary verges?

Trimming  the verges to neaten them will encourage native wild flowers to grow and if spraying is necessary there are organic sprays available. Think before you spray – the bees will thank you for it!