Fashion Contrast

There are many benefits to using digital music as opposed to using CDs or even Vinyl. The process of downloading a digital music file  to your computer, apparently is (according to Katie Fehrenbacher over @ GIGAOM) eliminating the energy required to produce and ship a CD – this also includes you driving to the store and actually buying it, and then driving back!

The Music Flow...

Researchers at Stanford, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University, including so called ‘IT energy’ guru Jonathan Koomey have found that despite the energy used from downloading music from the internet, digital downloads can reduce amount of energy consumed by the delivery of music, in terms of effecting the amount of energy used and carbon dioxide emissions by between 40-80% This in my mind sounds good, but of course there are things which would be effected.

For a more detailed look at the research please visit here

Poorer and Poorer by the day

I, for one am a big fan of actually ‘owning’ an album or a single; nothing in my mind beats the feeling of holding a brand new, essentially piece of art, made by my favourite artist(s). This feeling was especially exaggerated when I was younger as it had generally taken me a few weeks of ardent saving.
Now whether or not the idea of actually owning the greatness that is an album in all of its atomic mass, will be one which is taken away from us by the fervent eco-warriors of our age remains to be an issue which will need to be worked out for the best. Hopefully the war against climate change will not ‘sacrifice another victim’ the beloved CD and the joys that owning a piece of art…

GANG GANG DANCE - Click for Play

What next an end to live music…?

How many people struggle as I did earlier this year with the need to get a new TV to enable digital – truth be told we needed a new TV, and Yes I was aware that I could just plug a ‘digi box’ in and it will do the same thing! Then for some you have to throw in the problem of being eco-friendly or climate change aware.

The Majority of TV made in the last few years are environmentally friendly. Martyn Hocking editor of Which? a ‘…no bias, no hidden agenda’ online review site said this

There are great choices for people looking for an energy efficient TV, and, in general, the power consumption of TVs has dropped rapidly this year across all formats and screen sizes, It is possible to enjoy your favourite programmes without worrying about your green credentials

A Green TV?

Models now come with all manner of interesting energy efficient tools and functions which help you save money and save the planet. Power-Saving modes, ‘hard off’ switches to ensure they do not drain any power, and screen-blanking options which darken your television screen whilst you are listening to the radio. Other great features of modern TV’s include: a sensor which turns the television off completely when it has been left on standby for too long, equally avoid quick-start standby TV’s which save a few seconds when you turn the TV on but remember a couple of seconds of extra viewing time will not offset the extra expense of power needed.

Plasma screens are serious energy drainers, as they use far more energy then LCD screen or even the conventional wide screen. LED screens are soon to hit the market, recent models which have been reviewed are suggested to use even less power then LCD screens. Perhaps it will soon be time to switch and save

Fiver questions to ask before buying a new TV set…

Which screens are the most energy efficient?

Generally, plasma TVs use the most amount of energy. New technology TVs, such as LCD and LED models, use more power than traditional “big box” CRT models. However, the developments in power-saving and light-sensor technology is beginning to close the gap.

What “green” features are available?

The most energy-efficient settings involve ambient light sensors, which can slash a typical 100 watt reading for a 32-inch TV screen in half in dark conditions.

Big screen or small?

There’s no way of getting around it, the smaller the screen, the less energy it typically uses. On average, a 32-inch LCD TV uses 109 watts compared to 168 watts for a 40-inch screen.

Is standby so bad?

Standby wastes a lot of energy so stay clear of it. If your TV has a power-hungry quick-start standby mode, disable it. Switch it off at the socket or unplug it when not in use.

How can I be greener with my TV once I get it home?

Toning down the brightness on your TV can make a big difference. The ideal settings for viewing at home are often very different to the manufacturer’s settings.*

Quote for this article where taken from here*

The disaster that struck New Orleans in 2005 namely “Hurricane Katrina” reeked huge amounts of damage to the people and their houses. The Hurricane was recorded as one of the top 5 deadliest Hurricanes to hit the United States in its History.

Hurricane Katrina Havoc

The Damage was immense, mostly caused by flooding caused by 53 different levee breaches, which helped to submerge 80% of the City of New Orleans. To sum the level of destruction up…

From Wikipedia

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff described the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as “probably the worst catastrophe, or set of catastrophes,” in the country’s history, referring to the hurricane itself plus the flooding of New Orleans.

Now whether climate change or global warming is to blame for the rise of these super hurricanes and the increase of natural disasters is something which could be argued till kingdom come, so we are not going to go there!

Recently It has come to my attention that Brad Pitt has been seriously taking an interest in helping New Orleans especially come back from this tragedy. Pitt has been sponsoring an Eco-friendly housing project in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward – A neighbourhood already stricken by poverty and nearly wiped out by Hurricane Katrina and the destruction which ensued. At the forefront of this project is the Make It Right Foundation that builds affordable and importantly flood proof houses. An Image was sourced from Today MSNBC…

New Style New Orleans House

For some Excellent Videos of Brad Pitt talking about rebuilding New Orleans click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2

The ensuing largely UK publicity behind Pitt’s cause led to some excellent t shirt being designed and calls for Mr. Pitt to be elected to New Orleans’ Mayor. The Shirt is below.

Brad Pitt For Mayor

The Movement is predominately grassroots and is gaining appeal everyday – could he be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger and become another celebrity who is doing a good job in office? It remains a mystery whether Pitts appeal will actually turn into electoral votes – but part of me hopes it happens?

I recommend people visit the Make It Right Foundation and check out what the guys other there do, its interesting stuff and lets hope it truly makes a difference.