Rabu, 20 Mei 2015
alaska a little bit different
Citing a hotter, drier climate and the threat of “severe economic and environmental impacts” from climate change, the governors of California, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico and Arizona in February created the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative. By signing on to the initiative, the governors agreed to come up with a regional goal by this summer for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and develop a plan by next summer to reach that goal.
Utah, Manitoba and British Columbia have since signed on.
“We certainly can’t solve global warming on our own,” said BreAnda Northcutt, a spokeswoman for the California Environmental Protection Agency, “so it’s important that all these states get together.”
Tony Usibelli, the director of Washington’s energy policy division, said the bigger the group, the easier it will be to find economic ways to reduce emissions, whether by setting an overall cap and allowing entities to buy and sell the rights to emit, or by some other method.
“There is a value to looking at a bigger footprint,” he said.
Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado and the Mexican state of Sonora are participating as official observers to the group, Usibelli said.
Alaska, for now, is just watching.
Larry Hartig, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, said he has discussed the issue with his counterparts in other states and that Gov. Sarah Palin has met with Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.
“I know that they’ve talked on climate change [and] energy efficiency, and that Governor Palin has been very interested in following those discussions,” he said Tuesday. “She’s asked me to do the same with my counterparts, and to look for opportunities to support those efforts.”
Climate change, renewable energy and carbon sequestration were hot topics last month in South Dakota at the Western Governors’ Association annual meeting, which Palin attended. One workshop focused on the climate action initiative and the Climate Registry, a recently formed collaboration aimed at developing a standardized way for states to inventory greenhouse gas emissions.
Hartig recently explained the state’s hesitation to join either effort by saying Alaska was “a bit different” from other states. Specifically, a good chunk of its emissions come from transportation and power generation. Being so dependent on air transportation, he said, “there’s not a lot of alternatives out there to hydrocarbons.” Likewise, scattered communities are hard to connect to a centralized electric grid and may have to keep using diesel generators to make power.
Hartig said it might make more sense for Alaska to focus on trapping and storing carbon dioxide rather than reducing consumption of fossil fuels. He added that it would be hard to set a target for emissions reductions — as states are required to do before joining the initiative — without a better understanding of where the emissions are coming from. A rough inventory of emissions sources was completed in February, and the DEC is refining and updating the study now.
The department hopes to release an updated study by the end of the year that will break down emissions by industrial sector, Hartig said.
Buck Sharpton, the vice chancellor for research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a member of Palin’s subcabinet on climate change, said renewable energy could ultimately help reduce rural energy costs. But he warned that cutting emissions abruptly could be harmful to the state’s economy.
“We need to make sure that we can keep our state economically sustained,” he said.
Others suggest the harm lies in waiting.
“We’re missing tremendous opportunities by not being part of this,” said Deborah Williams, head of the environmental group Alaska Conservation Solutions and a former special assistant to the secretary of the Interior.
Williams acknowledged it would be hard to cut emissions from air travel but said the state had great opportunities to develop renewable energy.
Northcutt, of the California EPA, said studies done in California have shown that reducing emissions would encourage innovation that could then be marketed across the country.
“Our governor (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger) has really seen it as an economic opportunity,” she said.
Northcutt added that by joining the initiative early on, states will at least have a role in negotiating the regional emissions cap. States that join later will simply go along with the existing agreement.
The long-term goal, she said, is to increase participation in the Western initiative and ultimately link up with other regional efforts.
“Everyone’s invited,” she said.
Our New Saxony Ducklings Cuteness Overload
Selasa, 19 Mei 2015
Sizzling Summer Round Up Organic Beekeeping 101!
Randy Sues DVD is perfect for those just starting out with beekeeping and for those wanting some great tips on how to keep bees organically. I had a chance to preview a good portion of this DVD at a beekeepers meeting in my local homesteading group. Loved it! She made is look so easy. And the next time I went into my hive, I felt so much more confident and relaxed... I think the bees knew I was okay to be in there with them!
Randy Sues not going to show you how to use conventional treatments for things like Varroa mites, but she will show you how to set your hive up and get started, basic equipment, capturing a swarm, inspecting your hive, and some other "must know" information for the beginner.
She also has a sister site (thanknature.com) where she sells a new type of hive... the Hex Hive. is more than just a little hobby for Randy Sue! I love how she is trying to think like a bee and know their "bee-ness" (how God created them). The thought that has gone into this hive is impressive!
How To Enter Give-Away
give-away is open to residents of the United States.
• To enter this give-away, visit Organic Beekeeping 101 and watch one of the video clips (or two or three!). Then come back here and leave a comment telling me something you liked or learned or why you would like to win this DVD. You must leave me a way to contact you in the event that you are the winner - either your email or your blog link.
Disclosure: For this give-away, I was sent free products to try, however, all reviews are my personal opinion and based on my own experience.
the northwest passage
These are not small airplanes.I just talked to Adm. Arthur Brooks, the guy in charge of the Coast Guard in Alaska, about the work theyre doing up north. They called today, and have been offering interviews, I guess as part of their effort to increase their presence up there. Late last month, they flew a C-130 from Barrow up around the North Pole as part of a series of scouting missions to see whats going on and figure out how well their equipment will work in an arctic environment. Now theyre doing regular trips.
With shrinking sea ice, theyre seeing more activity up north than ever before -- cruise ships, for instance -- and want to prepare themselves for increased traffic in the future. Theyre checking out whether they need more navigational buoys, and what theyll have to do to be prepared for rescue missions in the Arctic Ocean.
It will probably take some additional funds, according to Brooks.
There was a lot of coverage this summer of international jockeying for newly accessible ocean and sub-sea lands. Thats not up to the Coast Guard to figure out, but it does affect them.
"I do not know what Im responsible for," Brooks said.
No More Jail Breaks DIY Self Closing Run Gate
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Preparedness Challenge 10
Because the risks for mosquito borne diseases are so high, we had to get her vaccinated for things like Typhoid and a prescription for Malaria. But there are some things which have no preventative measures other than insect repellent with DEET. Normally, I would not let her use this stuff, but were talking about bad diseases that must be avoided at all costs. Her immune system isnt that great anyway, due to an illness when she was about 15, so my plan is to super-detox her when she gets home. And in the meantime, we bought a Costco size package of insect repellent.
Shell be carrying a lot of first aid items as well as medications and immune support items. Traveling with homemade products... well, weve opted not to go that route this time. The last thing we want is for her to flag her bag as suspicious. Fortunately, weve checked into some items that she can purchase once shes there, such as baking soda, which she can use to make a few items.
Her experiment with no-poo shampoo (baking soda and an apple cider rinse) has turned out to be excellent. There was a week her scalp and hair were very oily, but it soon passed and now her scalp is no longer itchy and scaly. Since her showers there will consist of a cup of water poured over herself, the baking soda will be much easier to rinse out than shampoo. Im really glad we planned for this in advance! Her plan is to use the baking soda to brush her teeth as well. Baking soda is another item that would be great for anyone prepping to have on hand in bulk.!
Thank you to those who contributed to her trip this past month! Were aware that some of you gave and we want you to know how grateful we are for your gifts that will allow her to go and serve overseas. All her expenses have now been met and shell be on her way soon. To follow along on their adventures, you can read here.
Id love to hear from everyone, but especially anyone who has traveled in a similar situation that can give us any tips or ideas we might not have considered. And if youve done something this week to be prepared, be sure to leave a comment or link up!
Senin, 18 Mei 2015
Mites Natural Prevention and Treatment for your Chickens
smoke
One of the things people talk about in the context of climate change is forest fires. The summers of 2004 and 2005 had dramatic fires that burned huge areas, cost the state millions, and largely kept Fairbanksans inside. Last summer was tame in comparison, but one fire south of town was still 100,000 acres. It smelled like a campfire in Fairbanks.Sizzling Summer Round Up Born Again Dirt
Farmer and now author, Noah Sanders lives with his wife and son in central Alabama where he manages their fields, chickens, eggs, honey, milk, and fruit production to feed both his family and his community. His passion? Encouraging other young men to embrace the biblical vision of manhood and farming.
However, his book isnt just for men! Its for anyone who desires to glorify God through their farm or homestead. book is very different than most on the subject of farming, which is what makes it so needed! In fact, the entire focus of the book is the biblical worldview of farming (theres a biblical worldview for everything, but we just dont always look to see what it is!).
While we may recognize and acknowledge that farming has a "world view", the question still remains... do we really understand why and can we defend it?
Here are a few examples of what Noah addresses in his work...
• What does agriculture look like if its based on the Bible instead of evolution (or other world views)?
• How should we design our farms to be both productive and beautiful? And is that really important?
• How do we grow crops that honor the Lord?
• How can we use our farms or homesteads to honor the Lord through ministry?
If youre looking for a book on the best way to grow a tomato (or some other specific crop), this book wont address that. What it will do is affirm WHY so many of us are passionate about farming and how one can do it and give God all the glory!
To order a copy of Born-Again Dirt, click HERE!
How To Enter Give-Away
My Farming Journey
Walk Your Farm with THE Owner
The Importance of Agri-lifestyle on the Family
Leave a comment HERE and tell me briefly, your thoughts on what you read. You MUST have a blog OR leave me a way to contact you!
Disclosure: For this give-away, I purchased my own copy of Noah Sanders book. review reflects my personal opinion of his work.
Prayer For The Lee Family
Their beautiful home is no more, but thankfully all 13 children are alive although they suffered some injuries. I do not believe any injuries are life threatening. Please keep them in prayer, as I know you will, for comfort, peace, and provisions in the days ahead.
Minggu, 17 Mei 2015
M103 Chicken Coop Plans Construction Chicken Coop Design How To Build A Chicken Coop
It can comfortably hold 25 chickens
...
Units: Inches - fractions
Overall size: 5 x 8 4" for Cage
22 11 7/8" x 12 3 1/4" x 9 3/8" (height) for area of the building
Construction area: 283 Feet ²
Total volume of wood: 260399 1/4 inches3
...
Units: Millimeters - decimal
Overall size: 1613mm x 2629mm for Cage
571mm x 2138mm for Nesting Boxes for 4 Hens
7008mm x 3741mm x 2753mm (height) for area of the building
Construction area: 26.35 Meters ²
Total volume of wood: 4.13m3
Overall size: 5 x 8 4" for Cage
22 11 7/8" x 12 3 1/4" x 9 3/8" (height) for area of the building
Construction area: 283 Feet ²
Total volume of wood: 260399 1/4 inches3
...
Overall size: 1613mm x 2629mm for Cage
571mm x 2138mm for Nesting Boxes for 4 Hens
7008mm x 3741mm x 2753mm (height) for area of the building
Construction area: 26.35 Meters ²
Total volume of wood: 4.13m3
...
a: 4"x4" (Nominal) = 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" (Actual)
b: 2"x4" (Nominal) = 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" (Actual)
c: 2"x2" (Nominal) = 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" (Actual)
d: 1"x2" (Nominal) = 3/4" x 1 1/2" (Actual)
e: 1"x3" (Nominal) = 3/4" x 2 1/2" (Actual)
f: 1"x4" (Nominal) = 3/4" x 3 1/2" (Actual)
g: 1"x6" (Nominal) = 3/4" x 5 1/2" (Actual)
k: 1"x1" (Nominal) = 3/4" x 3/4" (Actual)
...
Dimensional lumber sizes:
a: 100x100 mm (Nominal) = 89x89 mm (Actual)
b: 50x100 mm (Nominal) = 38x89 mm (Actual)
c: 50x50 mm (Nominal) = 38x38 mm (Actual)
d: 25x50 mm (Nominal) = 19x38 mm (Actual)
e: 25x75 mm (Nominal) = 19x64 mm (Actual)
f: 25x100 mm (Nominal) = 19x89 mm (Actual)
g: 25x150 mm (Nominal) = 19x140 mm (Actual)
k: 25x25 mm (Nominal) = 19x19 mm (Actual)
h: 25 mm thickness (Nominal) = 19 mm thickness (Actual)
Units: Millimeters - decimal
The functional component - the build step guide - Table of Contents:
1.0 - Building the Axis and Column
2.0 - Building the Main Frame Structure
2.7 - Building the Main Frame Structure - Roof beam
3.0 - Building the Floor System
4.0 - Building Beams surrounding the cage
5.0 - Building the Frame of the Door and Windows
5.6 - Building Perches for chickens
6.0 - Building the Nesting boxes - Main Frame Structure
7.0 - Building Roof beam
8.0 - Building Wall system outsite
9.0 - Building the Doors and Windows
- Window - Main door for cleaning - Door to eggs
- Clean Out -Lid - Litter Tray - Automatic door
12.0 - Building VENTS
13.0 - Building RAMP
14.0 - Building Nesting Boxes - Building Roof
15.0 - Building Chicken Run - Main frame
16.0 - Building the Insulated Panel for Roof
- the Planks for Roof - Architectural Shingles
17.0 - Building Chicken Run - Main door and Wire mesh
19.0 - Perspective - The building was completed!
Units: Inches - fractions
Units: Millimeters - decimal