Is nuclear energy as good for the environment as it is made out to be?

Japan is reeling under a looming nuclear catastrophe. The memories of Chernobyl disaster have come rushing back. And the million dollar question on everybody’s mind is- “Is nuclear energy as good as it is made out to be?” First, let’s see how nuclear energy is good and what prompted its rise after the Second World War.

Most of the nuclear reactors in Japan were set up in 1970, as is the case with most of the developed world. Although fuel prices were dirt cheap back then, the developed economies were wary of importing their energy needs, and they saw a solution in nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy is the single source of energy which is renewable, has minimal carbon emissions and can deliver more power than any other fuel available out there. Today, it drives 70% of France’s electricity needs and supplied Spain too. US and the UK too depend on it for their energy needs.

And the developing economies are making a rush for it, citing increasing energy requirements and its cost efficiency. Sure, nuclear energy can deliver all that is mentioned above. But what most of us fail to take into account is the effective disposal of the nuclear waste.

Nuclear waste, if not disposed off properly, can do more than just off-set the advantages of nuclear energy. It can cripple the human race for generations to come and cause irreversible damage to the atmosphere. Forget about the waste, what if a reactor goes out of control, likes the ones in Japan? The repercussions can be huge.

Now, the question to be asked is, whether nuclear energy is a worthwhile risk or a progression towards doomsday? The latter seems the more probable answer, considering the fact that most countries adopted nuclear energy as a war weapon. Of course, they disguised it in the advantages of the energy, but that’s what the real purpose is of nations adopting nuclear technology. As a publication very cleverly put it, “it is insurance in the guise of mutual funds”

Ask yourself- would you adopt green ways and urge the governments to look for greener technologies or live under the threat of a nuclear catastrophe every second of your life? 

Is the Earth Hour enough?

It began in 2007 in Australia, and ever since, it has caught on across the globe. But the question is, “Is switching of the lights for an hour every year good enough?” Keeping the current levels of global warming and environmental issues in mind, it surely does not seem like it.

“The Earth Hour movement has grown globally since then. But it has been called ineffective because it only happens once-a-year. While the sentiment is well-intended critics argue, the outcome might not be as effective as it could be if it was a more consistent, long-term solution”- http://flippies.com/adflipoff/earth-day-goes-mobile/

So, what are you doing beyond the Earth Hour to support the cause of our planet? Little things can make a huge difference. Things like using paper bags instead of plastic ones for shopping, reusing materials whenever you can and using a bucket and mug while bathing instead of the shower can make a huge difference.

The biggest concern today among us all is global warming, and the increasing number of vehicles on the road isn’t helping our cause. But abandoning vehicles is not the solution. Rather, adopting green technology is. The e-zipp is a small effort on our part in that direction.

The electric bike from our stable does not use petrol or diesel, runs on rechargeable batteries and causes zero emissions. We have made a concerted effort to give the people a green ride without compromising on the ride quality. And thankfully, our efforts have yielded results.

Having initiatives like Earth Hour is good, but it’s time we moved beyond the Earth Hour and adopted green ways in our everyday life.

It could be riding the e-zipp to work, switching off lights when not in use, refraining from using bottled water, using manual shavers rather than electric ones or anything else, it all counts. Just consider this- if each one of the 6 billion strong population of Earth took one green step each day, it would 6 billion steps in the right direction.

Let us know how you plan to move beyond the Earth Hour and which green ways you plan to adopt. We will be glad to publish your green story.

eZipp India most economical electric bike

The E-Zipp bike is an electrically powered two wheeler manufactured by VRLA Manufacturing Company. VRLA is an energy solutions ISO 9000:2008 certified company with manufacturing facilities in Himachal Pradesh, India. Founded in 2006, the company is focused on manufacturing electrical appliances and products. Noticing the Indian Government’s enthusiasm in promoting the vitality of a greener Earth at the Copenhagen Summit, VRLA was inspired to come up with their contribution. The E-Zipp was conceived. Two wheeler vehicles ranging from cycles to mopeds to scooters and motorcycles are the life blood of India’s transport ecology. With ever increasing concern for Global Warming and a Greener Earth and out of control fuel prices playing on their minds, VRLA introduced an electric bike christened E-Zipp. Running on an electric motor that can be plugged in and charged at any 120-240 Volt AC electrical outlet, this vehicle drastically cuts the cost per kilometer to Rs. 0.20 which on an average is about three times cheaper than a regular two wheeler running on a petrol engine. Weighing about 70 kilograms, this 250 Watt electric bike can run up to 40 kilometers per charge. The battery life cycle is 350 cycles or one year, whichever is earlier. The battery has been specially designed for the bike and the company offers a six month warranty on the battery. The bike has a battery level indicator and charging at 40% is recommended. There are no ill effects of overcharging the vehicle. Each charge takes up close to 1.5 units of electricity . The electric motor powers the vehicle drawing energy from the battery through a controller. This technology eliminates the need for many of the mechanics and components of a conventional two wheeler, making E-Zipp extremely efficient and easy to maintain. The vehicle’s top speed is a modest 25 kilometers per hour and uses regular tyres and accessories like indicators and such. The bike has been tested successfully under all weather conditions. E-Zipp was launched in Maharashtra, India during late 2010 and is within an affordable price range. The bike is extremely eco-friendly with no emissions and rides with a smooth, quiet purr. The E-Zipp might not be a replacement for your car or bike but is a friendly addition to the family of two wheelers in India. E-Zipp is energy efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly; making it an easy choice for everyone.