Category Archives: environment

3 Reasons To Recycle Electronics

Many people know about recycling that involves paper, plastic and metal household products. However, some people are unaware of the fact that electronics can be recycled as well. There are many reasons why recycling electronics should be done. It helps the environment, has economic benefits and conserves natural resources.

1. Helps the Environment

Lots of electronic devices contain toxic materials, such as cadmium, lead or mercury. Contacting companies about Fort Lauderdale electronics recycling can be a great way to find a location that will safely handle all of the components and prepare them to be used in new products. This will keep harmful products out of the landfills and potentially leaching into water or soil.

2. Benefits the Economy

Recycling can reduce the cost of certain products because it eliminates the need for businesses to have everything produced from scratch. This can save water and energy consumption, reducing costs on materials such as copper, gold, aluminum and steel. Additionally, some regions have laws in place that forbid or restrict the dumping of electronics. Businesses and individuals that live in those areas can avoid fees by recycling.

3. Conserves Natural Resources

Mining raw materials takes time and money. There is not an infinite amount of materials on the planet. Eventually, things may run out, which will create problems for the industries that depend on the resources. Some materials can be reused without much processing, keeping the supply steady and reducing the need to mine more resources. Even things that do require some work to become useful again should still be recycled in order to conserve natural resources.

Anyone who has a collection of old electronics that they are not sure how to dispose of should contact nearby recycling centers for information. There are plenty of places around the United States that will gladly take electronics from both businesses and individuals.

What You Should Know About Natural Gas for Your Fleet

As a fleet manager, it is your responsibility to keep your vehicles fueled and maintained. While gasoline and/or diesel are the usual go-tos for fueling, you may be looking for alternatives that are more affordable as well as more environmentally friendly. Natural gas presents options for you to reduce costs and improve efficiency. It is available in two forms, compressed or liquefied. Here are some things to know about natural gas as a fuel option.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed natural gas or CNG is formed by compressing gas to below 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored in a gaseous form in a vehicle. You get a similar fuel economy with CNG as you do with gasoline. CNG is usually available in either a fast-fill station configuration where users can fill up vehicles quickly, or a time-fill station setup that is more conducive to slower, overnight refueling. Consult an expert on CNG fueling station construction to explore options for your operations.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) makes use of gas in a liquid form achieved through purification and cooling to -260 degrees Fahrenheit. LNG has to be stored in cryogenic tanks to maintain its supercooled properties. As a liquid, it has a higher density and can store more energy by volume than traditional gasoline. LNG distribution requires the use of trained staff wearing protective gear due to the low temperature.

CNG vs LNG

Choosing CNG vs LNG will be dependent on several factors, the most important being the type of vehicles that are available for your specific operations. CNG may be a great choice for transit vehicles, haulers and pickup trucks that cover shorter distances between fill-ups. LNG may be a better choice for 18-wheeler trucks and marine vessels with longer distances.

If you’re looking to make changes to improve your fleet operations, switching to natural gas is a good move. Whether you go with CNG or LNG, you can expect lower emissions, reliable performance and cost savings. Do your homework to see which will provide the better benefits overall.

Pros and cons of owning a pond

If you have a piece of property, you may have considered installing a pond. Ponds, as well as any water feature, can be relaxing and provide you with endless entertainment. Unfortunately, there are also some negatives to owning a pond. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a pond to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Photo by Rajiv Bajaj on Unsplash

Plants

The plant life that naturally grows in a pond can be very invasive and try to take over your pond if you are unable to keep up with it. Aquatic weed control is a very important part of pond ownership.

Fishing

If you have fish planted in your little pond, you can go on fishing trips in your own yard. This can be very convenient, especially if you have children. You can skip the long road trips to find the perfect fishing spot. Some types of fish that you can have planted in your pond will help control certain types of weeds you may find growing in your pond.

Wildlife

Adding a pond to your property is like sending out an invitation to the wildlife in the area to come try out the new watering hole. It is important to have some familiarity with the variety of wild creatures that live near you, because chances are they will be attracted to your water. This could be good or bad. If you are attracting animals like mountain lions to your pond, it could be dangerous for you and your family. However, it can be exciting to see the variety of wildlife that lives around you.

Mosquitoes

If the water in your pond stands still, you may find that it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can carry deadly diseases, so it is important to have some sort of filter system that keeps the water moving.

A pond can be a great addition to a spacious property if it is given the proper care.