Customer Reviews:
Finally! Ignorance has a manual!.......2006-08-17
This book is testimony to the ignorance of many men. This book is written by a man who profits from plastics and pesticides. It cannot be trusted in the least. All of the data goes against common sense. This is one of those books that will have a place in museums in future years, showing future generations how and why our earth is in the state of chaos it will surely be in thanks to garbage like this.
Great work about this subject.......2006-05-13
I'm a brazilian and (unemployed) agronomist.This book is really good about this subject.This books shows to the general public, many realities about pesticides and his goods efects in economy and farms.The GREEN MAFIA is also quacking in USA, not only in Brazil.
This is crazy.......2005-05-31
Pesticide is a poison. If you think spraying poison on our food is going to improve anything, you've got another think coming. Sustainable agriculture puts back what it takes from the environment. Factory farming pollutes our air, water and soil. According to a study conducted by the Department of Economics at the University of Essex , industrial farms cause $34.7 billion worth of environmental damage in the U.S. each year. True, there have been cases of E. coli bactiria, but the is the result of improper handling, using fresh manure instead of allowing it to decompose properly first. And it isn't only organic foods that were grown in maure. And non-organic food is also sometimes grown in manure. And the pesticides kill bugs, not E. coli bacteria.
Recent studies have shown that sustainable crops contain higher levels of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and polyphenols. Organic crops also have lower levels of certain toxic heavy metals. Better soil management (crop rotation, cover crops and composting) used in organic and sustainable farming helps enrich the soil and increase the concentration of vitamins and minerals in the plants. Chemical fertilizers, used on conventional, factory farmed crops, lower the nutrient content of the soil, increase the level of potentially harmful nitrates, and can contain certain toxic heavy metals which can be absorbed by the plants.
Pesticides are one of the most common toxic substances found in food. They can impair the immune system and cause diseases.
Pesticides can also affect the nervous system, endocrine (glands and hormones) system, immune system and reproductive system. Pesticides have been linked to Parkinson's disease, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, emotional disorders, weakened immune systems, and birth defects. Long after their use, pesticides remain in the soil and water. Despite being banned in 1972, DDT has been found in the breast milk of over 99% of all mothers in America. The American Association of Poison Control Centers estimates that in 2002, 69,000 children suffered from pesticide related poisoning or exposure to poisonous pesticides. According to Cornell entomologist David Pimentel, "It has been estimated that only 0.1% of applied pesticides reach the target pests, leaving the bulk of the pesticides (99.9%) to impact the environment."
Save the Science.......2004-11-16
Growing more per area is responsible for saving more land to the nature and High-yield Conservation is supported by two nobel peace prize laureates (Dr Norman Borlaug and Dr Oscar Arias) and many others. See the declaration at http://www.highyieldconservation.org/. The book's tittle is a bit "drama oriented" in my oppinion: it seems that Mr Avery is trying to use the same tool that most environmentalist do.
unbelievable.......2004-10-14
The reviews I have seen here reflect more ignorance than I have encountered in a long time. Dennis T. Avery apparently doesn't know the first thing about human and environmental health, and unfortunately there are enough gullible Americans out there to perpetuate such blatantly self-indulgent ideas. It's ok not to care about your own health (with the environment and soil quality at its foundation), but not to consider the health of others is just irresponsible.
Book Description
A guided tour of a revolution in the making that promises to change our lives
Global warming, rolling black outs, massive tanker spills, oil dependence: our profligate ways have doomed us to suffer such tragedies, right? Perhaps, but Vijay Vaitheeswaran, the energy and environment correspondent for The Economist, sees great opportunity in the energy realm today, and Power to the People is his fiercely independent and irresistibly entertaining look at the economic, political, and technological forces that are reshaping the world's management of energy resources. In it, he documents an energy revolution already underway--a revolution as radical as the communications revolution of the past decades.
From the corporate boardroom of a Texas oil titan who denies the reality of global warming to a think tank nestled in the Rocky Mountains where a visionary named Amory Lovins is developing the kind of hydrogen fuel-cell technology that could make the internal combustion engine obsolete, Vaitheeswaran gamely pursues the people who hold the keys to our future. Man's quest for energy is insatiable. It is also essential. By avoiding the traditional binaries that pit free markets against the wisdom of conservation and the need for clean energy, Power to the People is a book that debunks myths without debunking hope.
Customer Reviews:
Wrong about Electric cars, half right about fuel cells, interesting about micropower plants. Free Energy will be the next boom........2007-06-17
The next big boom will be free energy. Vijay, people want free energy and not cheap energy. Tesla proposed free wireless energy for the world which never happen. Micropower offers cheap distributed energy, not free energy. The motionless Electromagnetic Generator is a technology makes possible distributed free energy in massive quantities. Alternatives like ethanol, solar, wind, and fuel cell are expensive and produce insignificant amounts of energy. Why offer a marginal increase in available energy? People want free energy. The usage of this energy would be limited to their creativity, boundaries of logic, and available capital. Image a world where the consumer uses a 1,000 fold more energy and higher quality energy producing higher quality standards of life. People want more control of the energy generation and consumption behaviors. Technology stagnation can no longer be an adequate reason for high energy prices. Nuclear power will provide more energy. Utility companies had wait for regulatory permission to build the plant, factor in costs to finance monies, billions of dollars borrowed that raised the rates. Between 1969 and 1984 the rates rose 60 percent.
"Small is profitable", by Amory Lovins, is quoted, "Thus the grid linking central stations to remote customers had become the main driver of thoses customer's power costs and power-quality problems-which became more acute as digital equipment required extremely reliable electricity. The cheapest, most reliable power, therefore, was that which was produced at or near the customers..." Fuels cells have niched in reliable electricity near the customer, small power plants located near the customer. Fuel cell technology has been used to provide megawatt power for companies, provide backup power for computers, and small electronic devices. Fuel cell technology for automobiles, buses, and trucks remain cost prohibitive until the cost per kilowatt drops below 30 cents a kilowatt, it will be infeasible. Fuel cell technology for transportation does not make sense. "Progress has come only in fits and starts, but the trend is clear: the era of monopolization, centralization, and overregulation has started to give way to market forces in electricity." Micropower has been given a chance to blossom, prices are determined by markets not monopolies, and energy is serve the needs of ordinary people. "Forward -looking firms are already developing microgrids that can electronically link together dozens of micropower units, be they fuel cells or wind turbines." For example, Hydrogren uses 400 kilowatt, air-cooled phosphoric acide fuel cells to generate multi-megawatt systems, 6 - 30 megawatts.
However, centralized power production failed in providing free energy. Decentralized power produce is the solution either in the form of local community energy production using power micro generators or off the grid power generation, such as, home generators or home power plants.
Providing internet to poor nations does not remove poverty. Free energy removes poverty but providing increased mechanical work and logic to grow food, manufacture products, and entertain. Over a half a billion people have no access to electricity. Micropower is an attractive option, in such places. "One significant advantage of micropower is that is call allow generator owners to become producers as well as consumers- selling surplus electricity back to the grid when they do not need it."
Electric vehicles make the car an appliance. "Who killed the electric car" is a compelling story about how GM distorted customer demand statistics to scrap the EV1. Consumers wanted the EV1. The EV1 used Ovonic advanced battery technology to provide cruising speeds for adequate distances. EV hybrids could combine hydrogen reforming, battery, and an combustible engine. Even more significant are cars that run on water or air. EV1 cost 60 cents a mile to operate.
Vijay's book suggests that modern cars emit less population; gas will be the preferred choice of fuel for the next fifty years; energy is the biggest market in the world; fuel cells are doomed; electric vehicles failed to create customer demand; environmental green house crisis emphasis will emerge in politics and in the media; and micropower will not mean the end of giant power plants, instead, it will mean cheap power to areas without power. Vijay sees super Enron, "As energy markets liberalize, on-line energy-trading markets develop, and individual consumers win the right to select their energy suppliers, some people even see the emergence of virtual utilities. Microgrids would allow such firms to combine the individual efficiency of the micropower plants with the market power that is gained by bundling together their collective generating capacity."
Excellent writing from one point of view.......2006-09-25
Power to the People does present a particular point of view. Many people do not like to read books on very political topics like this unless it matches their view. I guess I'm that way as much as anyone, maybe more than most.
But while I do not agree with all that Vijay Vaitheeswaran says, I did enjoy this book. It's thoughtful, but entertaining. Cleverly written, but perceptive. Some of the comments that stick in my mind may not be the most important points in the book. (Vaitheeswaran's account of when he met Cindy Crawford and she said "the three words men most want to hear" was pretty funny.) But the thoughts in the book as a whole all hang together. They persuade, if not necessarily convince.
Contrast this with Internal Combustion, by Edwin Black, a book that I also read recently. His book draws on a wealth of research. And I agree with many of the principles he builds up from the facts. But Black's book ultimately does not hang together. Black draws basic conclusions from the facts that the facts do not support. The book's faults pull it down.
All in all, while I agree with much of what others see as faults in Power to the People, my opinion of the book as a whole could not be higher. It's a gem.
Has no solutions.......2005-04-05
I expected something completely different when I read this book. I was expecting that this book would tell about different ways that the future would get energy to the people.
This book is nothing like that the first two thirds of this book is a diatribe on how everybody is using energy the wrong way. It tells that innovation and micro power is the wave of the future and condemns all government subsidies for energy. He does not explain why we will be going to micro power but says that's the way it is going to be.
I have to say I started reading this book and put it down for a while for the racist remarks throughout the book. It is told from an Indian viewpoint where he makes snide remarks about the British saying that the British East Indian Company was the ultimate in evil. He makes condescending remarks about the Americans not being smart enough to have back-up generator in Silicon Valley whereas in Bangalore India they have them.
He is obviously against nuclear power by making outrageous remarks about nuclear wastes not being safe for 100,000 years. I read nuclear renewal and the waste from the newer breeder reactors is a couple of 100 years and they will reduce that as time goes on.
He is all for the fuel cell and the book is very well written. He doesn't say how we are going to get the hydrogen that we will need and talks endlessly about the Kyoto Protocol like it was the only peace of legislation that mattered on global warming.
I thought there would be new ideas and processes for the future like biomass or solar chimneys. There is nothing new or insightful this book seems more like a list of grievances.
Something to look forward to.......2005-02-26
I almost didn't read this because of the title. In this day and age with many seemingly on the edge of reason I thought it was somewhat of an incendiary title.
I'm glad I did check it out - I loved it. This man is a seriously talented writer. The material is dense. Very dense. Lots of dates, places, people, times and tragic, infuriating, maddening events. It is rendered readable with Mr. Vaitheeswarans method of inserting ironic humor into the text just when your eyes start crossing.
I enjoyed the way he presented all of the sides that he perceives and the pros and cons for each one. Talking about the environment is a very emotional issue for some and I thought that he covered all of the bases well without making it sound like one particular answer is written in stone.
We have, at our fingertips such wonderful scientific advances. The trick will be to put them to use to solve the problems, not create more down the line from here. I think he pointed that out very well.
Wets Your Appetite, But Leaves You Wanting More.......2004-10-27
This book is as excellent an introduction to the topic of the future of energy as any book on the market. This statement, however, is more a reflection of the lack of alternatives to Power to the People as it is of the book's own strengths. To be certain, it is a well-written and smartly researched book. One would expect nothing less from a writer from The Economist. It's strongest point is to so thoroughly make the case for why the energy sector must change in the next decades. The pollution and inefficiency that the modern subsidization of the carbon-based energy economy creates harms global welfare. However, its greatest weakness is to skimp on the details as to how the energy sector should transform itself. This book does not go into how solar energy works, or what government policies concerning wind energy should be. In fact in doesn't even survey the prospects for renewable energy, by say, arguing that solar cells are the future. Rather it puts forth a well reasoned case that the days of carbon-based fuels must end, and that governments must stop the carbon subsidy and research alternatives. End of story. In fact its most interesting chapters don't concern energy at all but have to do with reconciling the philosophies of capitalism with those of environmentalism, as task that the author does quite well. A good starting point for those interested in the future of energy, but if you're looking for more specific forecast of how global energy production will or should be composed in the future, look elsewhere.
Book Description
With temperatures warmer than they have been in decades and major hurricanes and storms occurring with increasing frequency, the fragility of the environment is on everyone's mind these days. For centuries, the Christian religion has preached a dominion of the earth, which has turned into one community's exploitation of the environment in the name of religion. As the sermons in Earth and Word demonstrate, a vast portion of the Christian community does not endorse or condone the destruction of the environment in the name of God. This singular collection gathers the voices of many environmentalists, theologians, preachers, and activists who have spoken in support of saving the planet. Included in this collection are compelling and provocative sermons from such influential figures as Wendell Berry, Thomas Berry, John Cobb, William Slone Coffin, Bill McKibben, Sallie McFague, Joseph Sittler, and Barbara Brown Taylor. In each of these sermons, the authors explore the deep relationship between thinking religiously and thinking ecologically.
Rhoads has performed a great service in drawing together in one place these timeless and classic sermons on a vital topic for today.
Customer Reviews:
Important considerations recommended for any Christian library........2007-09-02
For centuries Christians have preached a domination of the earth, but EARTH AND WORD provides a difference: sermons from the Christian community which do not condone the destruction and conquest of the environment in the name of God. The voices of environmentalists, theologians, and activists such as Wendell Berry, John Cobb, and others explore connections between thinking religiously and thinking ecologically, and make for important considerations recommended for any Christian library.
Book Description
"What the world needs today is a good dose of Indigenous realism," says Native American scholar Daniel Wildcat in this thoughtful, forward-looking essay. Part of the Speaker's Corner Books series, which aims to stimulate and foster discussion of important issues affecting our society, Red Alert seeks to debunk the modern myths that humankind is the center of creation and that it exerts control over the natural world.
Average customer rating:
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Saving the Planet Without Costing the Earth
Donnachadh McCarthy
Manufacturer: Fusion Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
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Environment
| Outdoors & Nature
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| Conservation
| Desertification
| Ecology
| Environmental Science
| Natural Disasters
| Recycling
| Water Supply
| Weather
ASIN: 1904132391 |
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- people who design the future
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Planet Champions: Adventures in Saving the World
Jack Yost
Manufacturer: Bridge City Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Social Policy
| Government
| Nonfiction
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General
| Politics
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Leadership
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General
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ASIN: 0962368350 |
Customer Reviews:
people who design the future.......1999-12-13
Jack Yost has wide experience in the area of peace studies and international relations. He worked for the World Federalists in the New York and developed peace studies programs and futures programs at Portland State University. His book focuses on people who have the kinds of ideas that could shape the 21st century. The book is very well written and should be an inspiration for all levels, including high school students. It would make an excellent gift for young people who might identify with exceptional people who have been involved in the kinds of ideas that could give direction to the 21st century and provide a basis for a better future.
Book Description
Hal Rothman chronicles the American response to the environment in the 20th century, showing how the idea of conservation management was transformed after World War II into a program for quality of life. His cogent narrative history is punctuated throughout with accounts of crucial episodes in the growth of environmentalism--Hetch-Hetchy, the Echo Park Dam, the oil spill at Santa Barbara, Love Canal, and others. A thoughtful tracking of the American environmental sympathies during this century. --Kirkus Reviews. American Ways Series.
Customer Reviews:
You MUST own a copy of this book!!!!.......2001-05-03
This book is very well written and speaks not only to current environmental issues, but also to ones of the past. Everyone should have a copy of this book. When writing a paper on Rachel Carson's SILENT SPRING and the environmental movement of the 1960's, this book saved my life! The information was so helpful, and it really helped me to to understand the "Big Picture" behind environmentalism. My history teacher hopes to incorporate this text into the cirriculum next year. It is an excellent book, and is worth every penny!!!THANK YOU HAL ROTHMAN for this environmental masterpiece!
Average customer rating:
- Chris's review
- Zaks Review
- It's Not Just for Kids
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Saving the Planet and Stuff
Gail Gauthier
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Humorous
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Flush
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ASIN: 0399237615 |
Book Description
Michael Racine lives in a world of highly successful and accomplished teenagers. Unfortunately, he isn't one of them. He knows it, and he's afraid everyone else does too. So when he gets the chance to intern at a magazine run by friends of his grandparents, he jumps at it.
The Earth's Wife, founded in the 1960s, is a famous environmental magazine, and Walt and Nora live what they preach. Tofu, solar energy, composting toilets. . . . By the end of the car ride with Walt and Nora to Vermont, Michael is having serious second thoughts. Too bad it's too late.
Gauthier explores what can happen when a typical, self-absorbed teenage boy is influenced by radical, environmentally-concerned senior citizens in her fifth novel. The possibilities for humor are endless.
Customer Reviews:
Chris's review.......2006-03-08
I didn't like this book. I didn't like the book because I did not understand it. The story was hard to understand. It wasn't interesting and was really boring.
Michael is a 15 year old boy whose his mom forces him too spend the summer with Walt and Nora. Walt and Nora are good friends of his grandparents. They offer him a job at EARTH'S WIFE, Michael hates it because they're vegetarians and they don't believe in cable.
This book is for readers who are really smart and understand alot of things. Readers that like to read. Readers who don't care what the book is about.
Zaks Review.......2004-12-21
This book rocked. It was a more mature book though. I wouldn't ask a nine year old to read it. It was so good, I would want to read it over and over again. I felt as if I was right there. It was funny, sad, romantic and everything a great novel needed and more.
(...)
I would recommend this book to anybody 12+ years or someone who is mature enough to handle the "language."
It's Not Just for Kids.......2003-09-29
This book is a must read for anyone who works with seemingly apathetic teenagers. It proves that anyone can be motivated to get involved with issues concerning the well-being of our communities, and the Earth on which these depend, when given the right inspiration - and the television is unplugged!. Each of the characters in the novel are well-developed and witty. It's a quick and humorous read on the adult level and provides a nice window into how teens hear some of the things to which we try to expose them.
Average customer rating:
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Saving Our Planet: Challenges and Hopes
Mostafa K. Tolba
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Natural Resources
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ASIN: 0412473704 |
Book Description
Saving Our Planet analyses the changes (both positive and negative) that have occurred in the environment in the past two decades. It focuses not only on the state of the environment but also on the interactions between development activities and the environment. It highlights the main responses since 1972 to protect the environment.
It is based on a wide-ranging review of the scientific literatue, UNEP reports (and other sources) and over 500 references are listed.
Books:
- Seeing in the Dark : How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering the Wonders of the Universe
- Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action
- Silent Spring
- Spectacular Galapagos (Spectacular)
- Statistical Analysis of Geographic Information with ArcView GIS And ArcGIS
- Surprise Endings/Island Dreamer/A Heart Full of Hope (The Christy Miller Series 4-6) (Christy Miller Collection, Volume 2)
- Sustainable Tourism
- The Complete Corvette Restoration and Technical Guide, Vol. 1: 1953 Through 1962
- The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth
- The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth
Books Index
Books Home
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Eco-Freaks: Environmentalism Is Hazardous to Your Health!
