Abhishek Agarwal asked:


The branches under the military know that they have to seek new ideas, in the new, post-Cold War world of the 21st century, about how to tackle “the theatre of war”. What are the major interests of the US military? The forces in the battlefield, which are used in the theater, to be more energy-independent is what is desired the most. The forces of the military require proper energy and clean water when they battle it out in foreign military campaigns. The US military, currently, has its own policies and procedures intact to communicate with allies or sympathetic general public in such a case. But however this alone is not reliable when the US military have to carry on their military actions successfully as there can be a situation when its allies cannot help with its resources it needs or when they face unilateral military activities.

The keen interest of the military in the US is to make certain alternative sources of energy energy-independent sources on the battle field with the help of research and development technologies. Portable nuclear reactors can make such a thing happen. Development of portable small nuclear reactors for delivering theater-local electricity is of great interest to the military. The clean-burning nuclear reactors, which are energy efficient, have captivated the military to a large extent. Perhaps, making such reactors portable for the intense warfare of today’s well mobile and miniature military operations is something they are researching. Perhaps, these nuclear reactors are capable of removing hydrogen from seawater and obtaining hydrogen fuel from seawater can in a way have less effect on our environment than it does during current practices. This in-turn makes it less susceptible to pollution.
Seawater can be an answer to all the problems of the US military. Seawater being available in plenty can be a potential alternative source of energy. The military’s utmost interest is on seawater in the arena of alternative sources of energy supply. Seawater can be relentlessly excavated for hydrogen, which can in turn power advanced fuel cells. Desalinated and portable water can also be generated endlessly from seawater with the help of OTEC. Resources such as portable water and hydrogen will be needed, by the anticipated military force, to generate power. Hence such resources should be utilized to maximum effect.

Temperatures inside the cores of the portable nuclear reactors, those which interested the military, run over a 1000 degree Celsius. At such high temperatures water can be broken down to its component parts of molecular oxygen and hydrogen. The former happens when high temperatures get combined with the thermo-chemical water-splitting procedure. This is the most efficient way of breaking water to its component parts. Extraction of minerals and salts, from seawater through the desalination process, is needed to clear the way for this process. Such salts can be either recycled by draining it to the ocean or utilized using vitamin or salt shakers. The power of the nuclear reactors is needed to extract hydrogen from the seas. The US’s top-most priority in the R&D is to use them as fuel cells which power high-level tanks, airplanes and ground vehicles.

Paige Green asked:


Are you looking to raise a “green baby”? While parents certainly don’t want to bring up a child with jaudice, there are a number of eco friendly options available when it comes to raising baby green.

Babies have exceptionally sensitive skin and very delicate immune systems so baby items need to be selected with care. ‘Most people understand that residues from everything you put onto skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may also be responsible for rashes or irritation,’ says Catherine Cervasio, founder of Aromababy. Petro chemically derived ingredients, such as mineral oil, are reported to reduce the skin’s ability to ‘breathe’. Cervasio suggests less frequent bathing, less use of commercial products and a more natural approach to personal hygiene for babies and children.

Organic and natural fabrics for clothing and bedding will expose baby to less harmful chemicals and dyes that could be potential allergens. Toys should also be made from natural materials such as wood and cloth. Plastics, while durable, are made from petrochemicals and can contain polyvinyl chloride which has been known to release potentially harmful fumes – you’d be amazed at just how much plastic your child is exposed to from birth.

Food is another area where sustainable, organic choices can be made. First and foremost, ****** milk is one of the most nutritious and environmentally friendly foods for baby – just consider the elimination of packaging and food miles. Andrew Radford, from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, estimates that if every baby in the US was bottle-fed, almost 86,000 tonnes of tin plate would be required for 550 million discarded formula tins. Formula must also be heated up in plastic bottles, which of course, uses more energy and resources. ‘A 3 month-old bottle-fed baby needs 1 litre of water a day for mixing feeds,’ Radford says.

Most parents find that they become much ‘cleaner’ and more conscious of germs when they have a young child. The temptation may be to bleach, sanitise and sterilise everything baby can get his hands on. Opt for natural cleaners such as bicarbonate soda and vinegar, they do an effective job and minimise the family’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

By taking the extra steps to choose a greener and more sustainable lifestyle from day one, your child can get off on the right foot to being more aware and environmentally conscious. Eco minded parents are most likely to pass their values and principles down to their children. While it seems cliché, children are the future and we will depend on them to continue our quest to protect the environment.

Look for more eco friendly and green baby products on the Green Pages green directory.

After all, who are we really saving the planet for?