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	<title>Solar Power Your Home &#187; Alison Wood</title>
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	<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com</link>
	<description>For The Best In Green Living</description>
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		<title>Your Home Made Sustainable in Five Easy Steps</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/07/21/your-home-made-sustainable-in-five-easy-steps/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/07/21/your-home-made-sustainable-in-five-easy-steps/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:43:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable home]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sustainability is a concept that has been thrown around a lot lately, mainly in regard to the food industry.  With viral videos of the horrors of feedlots flooding the internet and more and more people suffering allergies from harmful pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and even fertilizers that seep into our food and water and contaminate fabrics and home items alike, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to protect themselves and the planet from pollution, waste, and the inhumane treatment of animals]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F07%2F21%2Fyour-home-made-sustainable-in-five-easy-steps%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F07%2F21%2Fyour-home-made-sustainable-in-five-easy-steps%2F&amp;source=greenlivingnow&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/yard_sale.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-266 alignright" title="yard_sale" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/yard_sale.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Sustainability is a concept that has been thrown around a lot lately, mainly in regard to the food industry.  With viral videos of the horrors of feedlots flooding the internet and more and more people suffering allergies from harmful pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and even fertilizers that seep into our food and water and contaminate fabrics and home items alike, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to protect themselves and the planet from pollution, waste, and the inhumane treatment of animals.  Luckily, there are sustainable alternatives for practically every item in your house, from the floors you tread to the shirt on your back to the food in your fridge.  Here are a few options for those of you who want to make sustainable choices, starting at home.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Think twice before trashing</strong>.  Just because your jeans are SO last season doesn’t mean you have to send them to the landfill.  If you can manage, keep your clothing (and other household items) as long as you can.  Once you feel that they no longer suit your needs (or they’re simply ruined), recycle them through donation or try to think of another use for them.  Many items can be turned into something else (fabric can be used to make quilts, pillow shams, or for other craft projects, and old furniture can be reupholstered rather than scrapped).</li>
<li><strong>Eat right</strong>.  Whether you’re shopping at the farmer’s market to support local growers, buying organic and humanely treated meats, or becoming a vegetarian, changing your diet to support sustainable foods is as good for you as it is for the planet.  Even though pesticides and fertilizers come to you in small amounts, residual traces can cling to even thoroughly washed produce.  And the hormones and antibiotics found in feedlot animals can wreak havoc on your body’s natural hormone levels and defenses (not to mention the animal cruelty that occurs at those “farms”).</li>
<li><strong>Clean green</strong>.  Since sustainability means a policy of non-pollutants, you can clear your cupboards of harmful solvents and opt instead for greener cleaning with products made from all natural elements (like lemon and various oils) that scour, scrub, and disinfect just as well as the chemical-filled options.  And while all of these cleaners are non-toxic (absolutely no chlorine bleach or ammonia), many are also hypoallergenic and non-irritating.</li>
<li><strong>Tune out, turn off, unplug</strong>.  If you run your household entirely on eco-friendly energy (such as solar or wind power), then you number among a lucky few who enjoy a useful climate and enough money to install the necessary hardware.  But if a clean-energy overhaul is beyond your means, there are other ways to stay sustainable.  Unplug electrical items that aren’t in use (to avoid phantom drain), use natural lighting whenever possible, and invest in smaller energy- and water-saving devices like compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), energy-star appliances, low-flow toilets, and a tankless water heater.</li>
<li><strong>Consider green housing</strong>.  If you’re on the move, look into one of the many eco-friendly planned communities that are popping up throughout the country.  Houses are built green from the ground up, using concrete in place of wood, and outfitted with the environment in mind, using local resources and products that won’t pollute.  While they may be more expensive initially, all of the upgrades will save you tons of money on your monthly utility bills.</li>
</ol>
<p>Daniel Lawrence is a writer for Yard Sale Search. Check out the site to find <a href="http://www.yardsalesearch.com/" target="_blank">garage sales</a> in your neck of the woods.</p>
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		<title>Why Go Green to Remodel?</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/06/13/why-go-green-to-remodel/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/06/13/why-go-green-to-remodel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:32:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[go green to remodel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green house remodelling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=229</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you’re looking to remodel part, or all, of your home, consider working some green ideas into your budget.  If money is not an issue, you can certainly go all out, but with eco-friendly products flooding the market due to an increase in demand over the last several years, you can often find green options that are similar in price or can even cost you less for comparable products.  And with government incentives and continued energy savings, some of these products can be the gift that keeps on giving.  Here are just a few of the many options available if you’re looking to keep the planet healthy while you beautify your home.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F06%2F13%2Fwhy-go-green-to-remodel%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F06%2F13%2Fwhy-go-green-to-remodel%2F&amp;source=greenlivingnow&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/tool_bag.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-230" title="Toolbox, Hardhat, construction, safety, equipment, worker, tools" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/tool_bag-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>If you’re looking to remodel part, or all, of your home, consider working some green ideas into your budget.  If money is not an issue, you can certainly go all out, but with eco-friendly products flooding the market due to an increase in demand over the last several years, you can often find green options that are similar in price or can even cost you less for comparable products.  And with government incentives and continued energy savings, some of these products can be the gift that keeps on giving.  Here are just a few of the many options available if you’re looking to keep the planet healthy while you beautify your home.</p>
<ol>
<li>Start on the bottom.  Green flooring doesn’t have to be concrete or laminate.  There are a wide variety of materials to choose from that are sustainable, renewable, and energy saving.  You can go with recycled materials like glass tiles or reclaimed hardwoods and stone, or you can opt for something modern like bamboo (which renews in three years, unlike hardwoods, which can take up to thirty).  Many green flooring is also engineered to provide increased insulation to cut down on heat or cooling loss.</li>
<li>Re-use and re-use again.  If you’re looking to upgrade shabby cabinets, consider donating them to a local center that will restore and sell them.  You can also consider purchasing your new cabinets at such a store.  You’re sure to find something nicer than your current cabinets, but at a much more reasonable price than retail stores.  You trade in your car, why not your cabinets?  Plus, that’s two sets of cabinets you’re keeping out of the landfill.</li>
<li>Go low-flow.  Installing low-flow or dual flush toilets can have many surprising benefits.  For one, you probably won’t even notice the decreased water level half the time.  And while you stand to save quite a bit on your water bill, you can also get a mail-in rebate from your water company (most will send you up to half back on your toilet purchase if you mail them a copy of your receipt).  Also, consider a tankless water heater to replace that ancient behemoth in your basement.  It takes up a lot less space and it only heats the water you use rather than wasting energy on warming water that sits all day.</li>
<li>Get energy efficient.  Energy-star appliances will not only cut your electric bill (even light bulbs claim to save you up to $30 over the life of the product), you can also benefit from government incentives.  The federal tax credit will allow a return of up to $1,500 on qualifying items (and installation), so check to see if you can take advantage of these additional savings.</li>
<li>Install solar panels.  These are the greenest of the green when it comes to energy.  They produce absolutely zero pollution.  They do come with a eye-popping price tag, but keep in mind that you can work the system to get some of that money back through government programs (do some research to see what your state or county offers).  And if you do it right, you will not only save the money you would have spent on electricity, you can also sell any extra energy to the power company for use in other homes, cutting down on pollution from other sources.  That’s a pretty sweet deal!</li>
</ol>
<p>Jennifer Kardish is a communications coordinator at <strong><a href="http://www.kitchencabinetmart.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Cabinet</a></strong> Mart. You can check out their free design tips for your kitchen and home.</p>
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		<title>Organic Pesticides That You Can Make At Home</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/06/11/organic-pesticides-that-you-can-make-at-home/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/06/11/organic-pesticides-that-you-can-make-at-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:43:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organic Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Showcase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homemade organic pesticides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic pesticides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic pesticides to make at home]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=225</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Why spend a lot of money on commercial organic pesticides when you can easily and cheaply make your own at home? You will be surprised to know how many items that you have around the house can be used for organic pest control in your own garden. Here are just a few ideas. Garlic Garlic [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Forganic-pesticides-that-you-can-make-at-home%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Forganic-pesticides-that-you-can-make-at-home%2F&amp;source=greenlivingnow&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/organic-vegetable-garden.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-226" title="Digging The Vegetable Garden" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/organic-vegetable-garden-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Why spend a lot of money on commercial organic pesticides when you can easily and cheaply make your own at home? You will be surprised to know how many items that you have around the house can be used for organic pest control in your own garden. Here are just a few ideas.</p>
<p><strong>Garlic</strong></p>
<p>Garlic is technically not a pesticide because it does not usually kill but it repels many pests. They just don&#8217;t like the taste or the smell. You can use garlic for pest control in two ways.</p>
<p>First, planting garlic around other plants will keep many pests off. Garlic planted around tomatoes can prevent red spider mite. (Salt water spray is also good against spider mite.) Around fruit trees, garlic plants can repel borer beetles whose larvae would bore into your tree trunk, damaging or even killing the tree.</p>
<p>Second, you can make an organic pest control spray from garlic blended with water or oil. Use the water mixture directly on growing vegetables or flowers to prevent rabbits and other invaders from snacking on your plants. Use the oil mixture to spray onto ponds. It will form a film on the surface of the pond that can kill mosquitoes.</p>
<p><strong>Boric acid (known in other forms as boracic acid, borates or borax)</strong></p>
<p>This was a common product found in most households until recent years and you can still buy it in drugstores or online. It is often used as an ingredient in industrial pesticides, but it is a natural product mined in the Mojave desert.</p>
<p>Boric acid has anti fungal properties so it can be used to get rid of mildew and other molds and fungi. In powdered form it can be very effective against ants, termites, ticks, fleas, bedbugs, slugs, earwigs, beetles, roaches and even scorpions. It will also kill crickets and grasshoppers.</p>
<p>Boric acid is mildly toxic to humans or pets, although not much more dangerous than table salt. A pet would have to eat a lot to suffer symptoms, and humans even more. However, do not take internally and do not use in large quantities on plants that pets will lick or eat.</p>
<p><strong>Soap</strong></p>
<p>Liquid detergent and other soaps can be effective sprayed onto roses and other plants that suffer from aphids or other small fly infestations. It can also work well against slugs. For extra punch, add equal quantities of hot chili peppers, horseradish (roots and leaves), spearmint and green onion tops to your soapy water.</p>
<p>Many home made organic pest control products do not kill the insects and other pests, but simply prevent them from coming near your plants. This will be important to you if you prefer not to kill any living beings for religious or ethical reasons &#8211; or just for good karma. However, other products such as boric acid are true pesticides. You can also find many commercial organic pesticides for sale either online o</p>
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		<title>Dorm Life Goes Green</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/29/dorm-life-goes-green/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/29/dorm-life-goes-green/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 20:31:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Showcase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green dorm life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green issues for students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[living green as a student]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=219</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a college student, you are no doubt opening your eyes to the world and beginning to developing a social consciousness. As you study economics and sociology, you may start to notice the iniquities inherent in a capitalistic society. Psychology classes will make you look at your own genetics and upbringing in a whole new way. And you, like many other students, may look around in horror at the many ways humans pollute the planet that is our very source of life. But let’s face it, you’re on a tight schedule and what can one person do, anyway?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F05%2F29%2Fdorm-life-goes-green%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F05%2F29%2Fdorm-life-goes-green%2F&amp;source=greenlivingnow&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/students_college.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-220" title="students_college" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/students_college.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="197" /></a>As a college student, you are no doubt opening your eyes to the world and beginning to developing a social consciousness.  As you study economics and sociology, you may start to notice the iniquities inherent in a capitalistic society.  Psychology classes will make you look at your own genetics and upbringing in a whole new way.  And you, like many other students, may look around in horror at the many ways humans pollute the planet that is our very source of life.  But let’s face it, you’re on a tight schedule and what can one person do, anyway?</p>
<p>Actually, there’s a lot you can do when it comes to making your dorm room environmentally friendly.  And you can start before you even hit campus.  Instead of going to Target to get the latest offering from Todd Oldham, (or whoever they have designing for them this year) think about buying green bedding.  Linens in eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and hemp can be found online (along with towels, drapes, and even clothing).  It can be more expensive than Target, but websites like Overstock (www.overstock.com) often have prices similar to discount home stores.  As for furniture, the best way to be green is to re-use.  Go to local thrift stores and see if there’s something unique and retro that will fit your style just as well as something new.  Chances are, older furniture will be a lot more sturdy than something new anyway, and it can save you a bundle of money.  If you have to have it new, at least skip the hardwoods or plastics and go with something renewable like bamboo (you can find desks, chairs, beds, and storage in this highly sustainable alternative).  And don’t overlook the basics like a recycle bin and energy saving light bulbs and appliances.</p>
<p>The last thing you can do to help the earth is also excellent for your health: eat green.  Organic, free-range, and sustainable foods will not only do wonders for the planet, they will also keep you going through those long study sessions.  Unfortunately, you will almost certainly have to go off campus to find these foods, but you should petition to bring them to your cafeteria.  There are probably a lot of other students who will support your cause and champion healthier dining options.  You may even be able to get a local business to partner up with your school on deliveries.</p>
<p>You will find that going green in your dorm is not nearly as difficult as you think.  And you can feel good about the fact that you’re doing your part to ensure that the world you enter when you leave college is a little better than before because of your efforts.  Plus, if you do a little legwork, you can save a lot of money and still have a totally chic living environment for the next four years!</p>
<p>Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for <a href="http://www.onlinedegrees.org/" target="_blank">Online Schools</a>, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.</p>
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		<title>The Health Benefits of Going Green</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/23/the-health-benefits-of-going-green/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/23/the-health-benefits-of-going-green/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2010 20:11:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Showcase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health benefits of going green]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=215</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We hear it everywhere nowadays, but what does it really mean to "go green?" Are there really benefits?]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F05%2F23%2Fthe-health-benefits-of-going-green%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolar-power-your-home.com%2F2010%2F05%2F23%2Fthe-health-benefits-of-going-green%2F&amp;source=greenlivingnow&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/green_pattern.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-216" title="green_pattern" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/green_pattern.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="221" /></a>We hear it everywhere nowadays, but what does it really mean to &#8220;go green?&#8221; Are there really benefits?</p>
<p>Scientists are constantly discovering new information about how our bodies work, and perhaps more importantly, how certain chemicals affect us. For most of human history, we lived without houses, cable TV, Slurpees or video games. Hard to believe, but it&#8217;s true.  We lived a radically &#8220;green&#8221; life compared to today.  It&#8217;s only in the last few hundred years that we&#8217;ve regularly exposed ourselves to harsh chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly.</p>
<p>One of the biggest controversies concerns the use of pesticides on our food. Cheap chemical mixtures sometimes called <em>organophosphates</em> are used in farming, primarily to control bugs. The effects of some of these pesticides can cause cancer, ADHD in children and even infertility. Feeding your family organic fruits and vegetables, which have not been sprayed with pesticides can greatly reduce these risks. Getting to know your local farmers is a great way to verify the quality of the foods and which, if any, pesticides are used. There are many natural ways to control pests and smaller farmers tend to have a lot of knowledge about these alternatives. Another option is to grow your own! Nothing brings a family closer together than planting and tending to a pesticide free family garden.</p>
<p>Meat, eggs and dairy products are also receiving a lot of attention when it comes to being green.  Because so many factory farms crowd so many animals into cages or feed lots, high doses of antibiotics are given to animals preventatively. (Or, in other words, all the time.) The animals are also fed growth hormones so they grow bigger faster, meaning there are more animals on the land in less time than ever before, and that means a lot more animal waste. All of this ends up in our water, polluting our air and rendering the soil useless. This practice is extremely damaging to the environment, which has negative health effects on humans. We are also at risk of health problems such as e coli and salmonella by eating animal products not raised in organic conditions. Seek out organic sources of animal products or just skip them altogether.</p>
<p>Around the house we can unsuspectingly expose our families to chemicals that may be harmful to them and the environment. Bleach is a very strong chemical that can damage lungs and is particularly dangerous for individuals with heart or respiratory conditions. Chlorine is extremely caustic, damaging the environment, polluting the water, soil and air. There are dozens of safe, chlorine-free products available to clean your home with. (You can even try regular white wine vinegar for much of your cleaning needs. It works just as well and costs less than any fancy brand name chemical cleaning product.)</p>
<p>In many cases, going green can save you money, but even more valuable, it always saves you peace of mind.</p>
<p>Guest Post by Michael Krauss of <a href="http://www.discountvouchers.org/" target="_blank">DiscountVouchers.org</a> where you can find <a href="http://discountvouchers.org/apple.com" target="_blank">Apple Discount Vouchers</a>.</p>
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		<title>For Kids, It’s Easy Being Green</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/15/for-kids-it%e2%80%99s-easy-being-green/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/15/for-kids-it%e2%80%99s-easy-being-green/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 May 2010 17:19:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Showcase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eco friendly kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids being green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recycling for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teach your children about green issues]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You’ve always felt very strongly about keeping our environment clean for future generations.  But now that one of them is living in your house, you’re not sure how to get your little bundle of joy started on the right path.  Kids can be stubborn when it comes to doing what is right.  They often prefer to push the boundaries by doing exactly the opposite of what you ask them.  So how can you raise your child to respect the earth and go eco-friendly?]]></description>
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<p>You’ve always felt very strongly about keeping our environment clean for future generations.  But now that one of them is living in your house, you’re not sure how to get your little bundle of joy started on the right path.  Kids can be stubborn when it comes to doing what is right.  They often prefer to push the boundaries by doing exactly the opposite of what you ask them.  So how can you raise your child to respect the earth and go eco-friendly?</p>
<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/little_girl_recycling_green.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-209" title="little_girl_recycling_green" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/little_girl_recycling_green.jpg" alt="" width="347" height="346" /></a></p>
<p>For starters, there are areas in which you don’t have to give them an option.  As a parent, you control most of your child’s consumer choices, from food to toys to clothing.  They are pretty much stuck with whatever you get them.  But in order to ensure that they continue on a path of responsible spending as they enter their teenage and adult years, the best thing you can do is talk to them.  Explain why it’s better to buy organic foods (no pesticides to pollute the planet) or humanely raised meats (they’re sure to get on board with this one, although keep in mind that stories of the slaughter-house may not be appropriate for young children).  Let them know that eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo are preferable to those that pollute because they don’t use of pesticides and they opt for low-impact dyes and green processing.</p>
<p>But education is only part of what you can do to get your kids to go green.  One area in which kids can really see the outcome of their efforts is recycling.  They can even get instant gratification if you have them sort bottles and cans and then take them to the recycling center.  Let them keep whatever money you make and use it to buy a treat or toy they want.  This way they can learn to associate recycling with rewards (and the feeling of satisfaction that corresponds).  They can also recycle clothing and toys for needy children (make them feel good about helping another child in need) and shoes can get turned into flooring for tracks, playgrounds, or gymnasiums through programs like Nike’s Re-Use a Shoe (<a href="http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/" target="_blank">www.nikereuseashoe.com</a>).</p>
<p>If you’re still having trouble getting your child on board with going green, you can make it a game.  Engaging your child’s mind is a good way to get them interested, and there are a lot of websites available to help you out.  Sites like Kid’s Planet (<a href="http://www.kidsplanet.org/" target="_blank">www.kidsplanet.org</a>) and Web Rangers (<a href="www.nps.gov/webrangers/index.html" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/webrangers/index.html</a>) will teach kids about how to protect animals and nature, while Recycle City (<a href="www.nps.gov/webrangers/index.html" target="_blank">www.epa.gov/recyclecity/mainmap.htm</a>) is a fun way to show them the recycling process and The Green Squad (<a href="www.nrdc.org/greensquad/" target="_blank">www.nrdc.org/greensquad/</a>) will help them find ways to implement eco-friendly processes at school.</p>
<p>It’s never too soon to get your child involved in learning to live responsibly, and protecting the planet is a big part of that.  And with all the resources at your fingertips via worldwide web, it’s easier than ever to get your kids to go green.  There’s just no reason a cleaner future can’t start in your home.</p>
<p>Guest post by Sarah of Maxi Dress Mania where you can find <a href="http://maxidress.org/" target="_blank">maxi dresses</a> for your body type.</p>
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		<title>Choosing a DIY Solar Energy Guide That is Right for You</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/08/choosing-a-diy-solar-energy-guide-that-is-right-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/08/choosing-a-diy-solar-energy-guide-that-is-right-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 15:57:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Benefits of Solar Power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY Solar Panels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Panel Cost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diy solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diy solar energy guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do it yourself solar energy guide]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=203</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How many spare time activities can you name that can essentially wipe-out your electricity bills while lending a hand to saving the great green earth of ours?  Well, picking up a DIY solar energy guide and building your own solar energy panels is a great place to start.  Known to enthusiasts as "off grid living", lessening your dependence on the commercial electrical grid and practicing self-sustainable methods of energy production is becoming quite popular.]]></description>
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<p>How many spare time activities can you name that can essentially wipe-out your electricity bills while lending a hand to saving the great green earth of ours?  Well, picking up a <a href="http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/" target="_blank">DIY solar energy guide</a> and building your own solar energy panels is a great place to start.  Known to enthusiasts as &#8220;off grid living&#8221;, lessening your dependence on the commercial electrical grid and practicing self-sustainable methods of energy production is becoming quite popular.</p>
<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/green_living_2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-204 alignleft" title="green_living_2" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/green_living_2.jpg" alt="" width="289" height="158" /></a></p>
<p>Most Do it yourself solar energy guides will give you step by step instructions on how to build your own solar panels, battery specifications, calculating the amount of power needed for your system, etc. These are all important elements required to successfully install and run your own.</p>
<p>Look for a guide that is clearly written, contains lots of images, graphs and videos and lists out exactly what it is you need to do &#8211; and the tools and parts you will need to do it.  You may think that building your own solar panels would call for some advanced equipment, but it&#8217;s a lot easier than you think!  Most local hardware mega stores will have everything you need at decent prices under one roof.</p>
<p>Be sure you pick up a solar energy guide that is meant for DIY homeowners.  Otherwise you may be getting product plugs and sales pitches in between your instructions.  Conducting a simple search on Google for the term &#8220;diy solar energy&#8221; will give you pages of results to sift through.  Check the customer reviews section and see what others have said about the guide you want to buy &#8211; usually if the people say it&#8217;s good, it&#8217;s good.</p>
<p>After reading through your DIY solar energy guide, it&#8217;s time to sit down and discuss the benefits with your family.  Get everyone involved with the project and soon they will realize why you&#8217;re going green and it will only be a matter of time before they jump on the bandwagon with you.</p>
<p>Seeking the help of commercial installation companies can run you up a tab worth tens of thousands of dollars.  There is absolutely no reason to spend this amount of money if all you want is a couple of solar panels to run your kitchen appliances.  Converting to solar energy is about saving, and going with a big name company will incur a debt &#8211; plain and simple.  Invest a few hundred dollars and a couple of weekends and you&#8217;ll be on your way to your very own solar energy system.</p>
<hr />Alison Wood brings you ideas to live a green life and in the process save money. If you want to start making some <a href="http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/" target="_blank">substantial savings on your power bills</a> then check out this easy step-by-step guide to building your own solar panel =&gt; <a href="http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/" target="_blank">http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/</a></p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com">http://www.submityourarticle.com</a></p>
<p>Permalink: <a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=91461">http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=91461</a></p>
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		<title>Indoor Vegetable Gardening For Beginners</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/02/indoor-vegetable-gardening-for-beginners/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/05/02/indoor-vegetable-gardening-for-beginners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 May 2010 16:09:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organic Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor vegetable gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor vegetable gardening for beginners]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Indoor vegetable gardening can be very rewarding, but there are several things to think about before you start. First, do you have enough light? Plants do require a good amount of light to grow strongly and produce a crop. This does not matter so much for general house plants where you just want the plant to survive, but if you intend to grow a plant for its vegetable crop then it will need more light.]]></description>
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<p>Indoor vegetable gardening can be very rewarding, but there are several things to think about before you start. First, do you have enough light? Plants do require a good amount of light to grow strongly and produce a crop. This does not matter so much for general house plants where you just want the plant to survive, but if you intend to grow a plant for its vegetable crop then it will need more light.</p>
<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/indoor_vegetable_gardening.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-200" title="Indoor gardening" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/indoor_vegetable_gardening.jpg" alt="" width="307" height="391" /></a>A large sunny window ledge is fine for smaller plants. If you have a conservatory or a room where the windows reach the floor, that is even better because you can use the floor space.</p>
<p>Clearly, choosing what to grow will be important. In fact, the most important thing you will do for your indoor vegetable gardening project is choosing the plants.</p>
<p>Tomatoes can work well indoors because they grow upward and do not need much space. They do like a lot of sun so you will need to put them right in the window. You can buy a trellis to stand in your container to support them.</p>
<p>Herbs also make good indoor plants. They usually like well drained soil. Too much water can cause fungal growth. They also like a good supply of fresh air. Most herbs will grow happily in pots on a sunny windowsill. Some, such as parsley, rosemary, mint and thyme, can handle less sunlight.</p>
<p>Root vegetables do not work well indoors in most cases because they need a bigger depth of soil than most homes can provide. The exception may be if you have a conservatory with <a href="http://amzn.to/d9o0CF" target="_blank">large containers</a>.</p>
<p>It can be hard to treat indoor pests. You should not have a major pest problem if you are growing from seed, but be very careful when buying growing plants. Be aware of the pests that target different plants, such as red spider mite for tomatoes, and check that they have not infested any plant in the store. It is not enough to check the plant you plan to buy because there could be eggs on it.</p>
<p>Also, check your house plants for pests before you start. There is no point in buying the perfect vegetable plant and then putting it right next to something that has an aphid infestation when you bring it home. It is possible to spray indoor plants although you would probably not want to use chemical pesticides in your home. Organic is better for anything that you plan to eat. Plant garlic with your tomatoes to deter red spider mite.</p>
<p>Hydroponics can be an excellent solution for indoor vegetable gardening. This is an intensive growing method that allows you to control the water, nutrients and light that plants receive. You can use grow lights to augment natural light. Hydroponic equipment does not have to be very expensive either. Simple starter kits are available for indoor vegetable gardening beginners.</p>
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		<title>Get Off the Grid and Put an End to Outrageous Power Bills</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/04/25/get-off-the-grid-and-put-an-end-to-outrageous-power-bills/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/04/25/get-off-the-grid-and-put-an-end-to-outrageous-power-bills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:36:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Benefits of Solar Power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY Solar Panels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Panel Cost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar Power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY solar energy guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power bill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power bills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wind turbines]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Every month Mike and Chloe's utility bill arrives in the mail and each time their gripe is the same, "this electric bill just gets higher and higher every month...it's time we make some changes around here." Then another month rolls by in which they've done nothing to alter their power usage and another outrageous power bill shows up. They repeat the same frustrated complaint yet again they do nothing to make a difference, and so the complaining just repeats month after month and year after year. Sound familiar to you?]]></description>
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<p>Every month Mike and Chloe&#8217;s utility bill arrives in the mail and each time their gripe is the same, <em>&#8220;this electric bill just gets higher and higher every month&#8230;it&#8217;s time we make some changes around here.&#8221;</em> Then another month rolls by in which they&#8217;ve done nothing to alter their power usage and another outrageous power bill shows up. They repeat the same frustrated complaint, yet again they do nothing to make a difference and so the grunting and bill paying just repeats month after month and year after year. Sound familiar to you?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/energy_savings1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-192 aligncenter" title="Electricity Bills" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/energy_savings1.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="282" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Like Mike and Chloe, millions of home owners exist in this scenario. The sad truth of the matter is that every consumer in this vicious energy cycle pays more for monthly power consumption than their parents paid for monthly mortgage payments! So what can our fictitious homeowners, Mike and Chloe, do to make any real difference in their power use and bills? Or, on a more personal level, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">what can you do to make a difference in yours?</span> Well folks, there are some options:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Option 1 &#8211; Sell everything electrical you own including your house and move into a cave. <em>Hmmm, we&#8217;re going to need a lot more caves for this one.</em></li>
<li>Option 2 &#8211; Wait for your city, town or block to someday form a green and clean energy co-op so they can stick it to you. This option is also known as the APBJSP <em>(Advocates, Planners and Bureaucrats Job Security Plan).</em></li>
<li>Option 3 &#8211; Turn your thermostat down until frost appears on your nose, disable your AC unit (sledge hammers work well for this), don&#8217;t cook, don&#8217;t wash anything including yourself, and limit your use of everything electrical to 3 minutes a day <em>(except for your new iPad of course)</em>.</li>
<li>Option 4 &#8211; Dig in and do-it-yourself. That&#8217;s right. Get off the grid by becoming a self-supplier of your own sustainable electricity.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">Personally speaking, I prefer Option 4 and undoubtedly you will too. Ok, so how does one go about supplying their own sustainable electricity? Again, there are some options:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Option A &#8211; Hire an electrical contractor who specializes in solar panel installations to convert your home to solar energy. One word comes to mind, <em>expensive!</em></li>
<li>Option B &#8211; Hire an electrical contractor who specializes in wind turbine installations to convert your home to wind energy. <em>Ditto Option A.</em></li>
<li>Option C &#8211; Design, build and install your own solar panel array or wind turbine energy system. Three words come to mind, <em>inexpensive, challenging and rewarding!</em></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you have the money then by all means options A or B are excellent ways to turn your home into a clean, green snub the power company machine. However, most folks in these troubled times don&#8217;t have an extra $20-100K laying around the house to buy retail solar panels and wind turbines as well as pay high priced commercial contractors. Yes, I concede there are now a number of so-called &#8220;green&#8221; contractors who are offering green energy installment plans to homeowners who are cash strapped. Now isn&#8217;t that just a novel idea? Let&#8217;s all mortgage our rooftops or yards, pay more high interest on big loans, run up more personal dept, and when its all said and done pay more for self-supplied electricity than even the power company dares to charge. But hey, it will reduce our carbon footprints and that makes us feel good. We won&#8217;t get any sleep for figuring out how to pay next month&#8217;s installment, but we&#8217;ll be green.</p>
<p>Needless to say, I favor Option C. Yes it&#8217;s true. Anyone who can read and use everyday tools can become a do-it-yourself designer, builder and installer of their own solar energy and/or wind power systems. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Challenging</span>? Absolutely. In fact some may even find it more daunting than they care to consider. If that is you, please see options 1,2,3, A, or B. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rewarding</span>? Sure is. There&#8217;s nothing in the rewards department that compares to forming a working plan, creating and installing a new system that benefits you and your family, and saving a boat load of money in the process. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Inexpensive</span>? Yes. Doing your own sustainable energy project costs pennies on a dollar compared to paying a contractor to do it for you. You can actually design, build and set up your own secondary solar or wind system for a couple hundred dollars. This system will provide partial power allowing you to reduce your on-grid power bill. For a couple thousand, or less if you&#8217;re a savvy parts shopper, you can power your entire house, garage and outdoor lighting. You&#8217;ll be green <em>and</em> you&#8217;ll sleep well at night.</p>
<p>How and where can you find the right information to start and finish your own DIY home solar energy or wind turbine project? Folks, look no further than the screen you are now staring at. That&#8217;s right, the entire internet is at your disposal and there&#8217;s a wealth of information out there waiting for you to use. Do your research, learn about solar energy and wind power, and seek well written guidance from DIY solar and wind energy experts. There are currently several good downloadable DIY green energy guides available on line which have been produced by experienced DIYers. I happen to favor two particular guides because they are written in understandable terms, have masterfully produced step-by-step videos, and offer 24/7 support to get you through any snags that may occur. If you&#8217;re truly serious about saving a lot of money by becoming a self-supplier of your own solar or wind electricity then your first step needs to be getting a great DIY energy guide. You&#8217;ll find convenient links below for my favorite guides but no matter how you approach this and any other DIY projects, always work smart and practice safety first.</p>
<p>Faine Morrison is a DIY home improvement enthusiast strongly bent towards saving money and going green when and wherever possible. If you enjoyed reading this article please take a moment to post a comment and share this. And, if you share the author&#8217;s penchant for DIY home improvement and sustainable energy you&#8217;ll benefit from checking out <a href="http://diy-solar-panel-review.com/" target="_new">DIY Solar &amp; Wind Systems</a> and <a href="http://www.solarenergydiyguide.com/" target="_new">DIY Solar &amp; Wind Energy</a>, two of the do-it-yourself energy guides he recommends. <a href="mailto:fainemorrison.woodmors@gmail.com">Contact Author</a></p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Faine_Morrison" target="_new">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faine_Morrison</a><br />
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Off-the-Grid-and-Put-an-End-to-Outrageous-Power-Bills&amp;id=4065151" target="_new">http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Off-the-Grid-and-Put-an-End-to-Outrageous-Power-Bills&amp;id=4065151</a></p>
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		<title>Organic Tomato Gardening Tips</title>
		<link>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/04/17/organic-tomato-gardening-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://solar-power-your-home.com/2010/04/17/organic-tomato-gardening-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:58:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alison Wood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organic Gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic tomato gardening tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic tomatoes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://solar-power-your-home.com/?p=184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Organic tomato gardening is perfect for almost every backyard, however small. All you need is a sunny corner. And nothing beats the taste of freshly picked sun ripened tomatoes from your own garden! Follow our tips for the perfect home grown organic tomatoes.]]></description>
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<p>Organic tomato gardening is perfect for almost every backyard, however small. All you need is a sunny corner. And nothing beats the taste of freshly picked sun ripened tomatoes from your own garden! Follow our tips for the perfect home grown organic tomatoes.</p>
<p><a href="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/organic_tomatoes.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-185 alignleft" title="Bushel of tomatoes" src="http://solar-power-your-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/organic_tomatoes.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="282" /></a></p>
<p><strong> 1. Location</strong></p>
<p>Tomatoes need support and like a sunny, sheltered site. They usually prefer slightly acidic soil. A south or west facing fence or trellis is ideal.  Some varieties grow up to 6 feet tall, others are smaller.</p>
<p><strong>2. Variety</strong></p>
<p>There are many different kinds of tomato. If you want a truly organic garden, you will want to start out with organic tomato seeds. Otherwise you can use regular seeds and simply avoid using chemicals on your plants.</p>
<p>The best way to choose a tomato variety is to ask around among your neighbors. They will have the same climate and soil type, so what works for them will probably work for you. Maybe they will even share seeds with you.</p>
<p><strong>3. Feeding</strong></p>
<p>Successful organic tomato gardening requires some attention. Feed plants at least twice in the season with a good organic fertilizer. Slow release fertilizers in the soil are more effective than liquids. Spraying with kelp and fish emulsion from time to time will provide the growing leaves with extra nutrients.</p>
<p>Regular watering is vital. Never let the plants become so dry that they wilt. They may recover but they will not produce good juicy tomatoes that way.</p>
<p><strong> 4. Pests</strong></p>
<p>Unfortunately tomatoes are vulnerable to various kinds of infestation. Here are some examples of tomato pests and what you can do about them.</p>
<p><strong> Hornworms or Manduca quinquemaculata</strong></p>
<p>This is a big ugly caterpillar native to the USA with a black horn on its rear end. It adores tomato plants and anything else in the same family (eggplant, potato, bell pepper, tobacco).</p>
<p>Hornworms will hide under the leaves of your plants so check every day, especially if you know that they are common in your local area. Sometimes you will find them by seeing their black excretions that have fallen onto other leaves.</p>
<p>The easiest and most effective way to deal with hornworms organically is to squish them. Alternatively, you can buy parasitic wasps or braconid wasps which will lay their eggs on the caterpillar. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed on the caterpillar and kill it. If you use braconid wasps, do not kill the hornworms yourself: the wasps will leave your garden if they do not find a few to lay their eggs on. The adult wasps feed on the flowers of dill and cilantro plants so grow some of those near to your tomatoes too.</p>
<p><strong>Eelworms or Nematode</strong></p>
<p>These worms live in the soil all around the world. They feed on the roots of several plants including potatoes and tomatoes. There is an organic pesticide called Methyl Bromide that can help with this. Planting marigolds in with your tomatoes is a good prevention measure.</p>
<p><strong>Tomato Blight</strong></p>
<p>Tomato blight is caused by fungus. Good preventive measures include rotating your plants so that the tomatoes are not always in the same place, and thinning them out so that they have plenty of circulating air. Still sometimes in a wet summer you will see some blight. Remove and destroy affected plants immediately to stop it spreading, or it will ruin your chances of successful organic tomato gardening.</p>
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