Mindzle

Archive for January, 2009

It can be quite a daunting experience when you try to make a positive change. In our modern world with the information thrown at the speed of light in your direction 24 hours a day 7 days a week, how do you filter out the important information and make wise decisions about the choices in your life? To help you find a greener path, and probably a happier one as well, here are my top ten web resources for living green:

10) Paystolivegreen.com – This great little blog is about saving money by going green.  They discuss topics including the environment, alternative sources of energy, going green, organic and sustainable products, finance, the environment, nutrition and technology. I have only recently come across this blog, but it is a well spring of ideas and information and anyone wanting to be more ecologically sound should check it out.

9) Dailyecotips.com – A blog with a new daily eco tip listed on the site every day. Find out how to save money, save energy, recycle, reuse and live a greener life! How much more can I say. The blogs author has a done a wonderful job of coming up with a new eco tip every day that is both practical and smart.

Backyardaquaponics.com – Without this website I would have no idea about aquaponics, nor would most of the rest of the world. If you don’t know about aquaponics I suggest you head over there right away. They have opened my eyes to a better way of growing both fish and plants for food. Any self respecting survivalist should have an aquaponics system . In fact NASA is using ideas like this in their long term space exploration plans. Of particular interest is the forums and specifically Member Systems. This is a large group of people who have been building and testing their own designs in sometimes very remote parts of the world, where they actually rely on the productively of these systems to eat.

7) Organicgardeningzone.com - This blog has the best Info You Can Find About Tips And Ideas On Organic Gardening, Gardening Advice, Supplies And Equipment Reviews. They have been a dependable resource with a great deal of knowledge and experience to help the new Organic gardener get up and running successfully.

6) Articlegarden.com – This website is a collection of articles from a wide sampling of blogs on sustainability. Their own self description tells it best: “is an attempt to provide the best outcomes for human and natural environments for both now and the indefinite future. It relates to the connection of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment. It is intended to be a means of balancing civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential today, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals in a very long term. Sustainability affects every level of organization, from the local family to the entire planet. We must all strive to live a sustainable lifestyle. From biodeisel to recycling this is a sustainable living resource meant to help us all learn to do this.”

5) Mindzle.com – Yes, I know, shameless self promotion. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this site, which has been one of my top resources for living a more sustainable life. It has motivated me to make better decisions and is a repository of knowledge I have compiled from literally thousands of sources.

4)The Green Guide – National Geographic magazines Green Guide is a deep resource, whether you want tips to green your life, or to research which product you should buy. It tends to be heavily leaning towards the latter.  When my wife and I decided to buy a new freezer it was the first place we looked. Some of what they are selling is little more than green-washing, but a savvy individual can usually find useful information regardless.

3) Organicgardening.com- This is the website for the magazine of the same name. If you are looking for anything related to organic gardening you will find it here. We will be using thier Organic Gardening Composter plans to build our own version.

2) Mother Earth News – The Original Guide to Living Wisely. This website for the oldest magazine related to green living and homesteading with 40 years of articles and how-to’s in one place is an imeesruarable asset. It was tough deciding these top two places, and Mother Earth News could easily have taken the top spot. It is hard to argue with 40 years of environmental and rural knowledge available in one place. From this singular resource you can learn anything related to organic gardening, home power generation, alternative fuels, electric cars… well pretty much anything green.

1)Treehugger.com – Arguably the top online news and information portal on sustainability in business, home, politics and products. There is an ocean of articles by many of the top experts in every related field.  There are interviews, how-to’s as well as the news you need to know. They easily made my top two, but it is the constant updates daily that moved them into the top spot. They have been a big motivator for me and my family.

In today’s tough economic times it is a thing of joy to see a business doing well, especially one that is in the business of good. Columbia Energy Partners (CEP) develops renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms. They have partnered with Vestas and other significant industry giants to allow them to grow in this fiercely competitive market. This team of brilliant and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds is thriving during one of the worst economic situations in history. I say Kudos!

It had been a few months since I checked in with my friends at Columbia Energy Partners, so I was quite pleased to receive a last minute invite to their office “house warming” party. I must say the turnout was excellent, the people wonderful and the food splendid. It was a great opportunity to network with alternative energy pioneers in a town known for its green credentials.

There was a palpable sense of looming prosperity following the election of Obama. Many people were wearing Obama shirts and Obama posters covered the walls. It seems that the Alternative Energy crowd which has long been on the fringes, and has now found itself at the center, is filled with vigor and hope. You could see it in the eyes of everyone present, and it pushed the natural synic in me into hiding for an evening.

It was my sincere pleasure to meet people from all over the renewable energy market and as a direct result I will soon be doing a series of articles with Jeff Hawkins of Timna Energy Corp on how you can reduce your energy footprint. We will also be making a video of a residential solar PV system installation with Jeff. Look for other articles with Portland General Electric, Precision Wind, Frontier Wind, Portland Biodiesel, and of course Columbia Energy Partners in the near future as well.

CEP is on the cusp of greatness, the excitement that was visible at their shin dig was obvious and even long term adversaries were in attendance looking to work with them. CEP looks to be moving ahead with quite a few exciting projects including a wind farm and an Algae from smokestack system that will help Portland General Electric clean the emissions of one of their existing coal fire plants.Thier future is bright.

The Algea plant itself is an interesting idea, that frankly I’m suprised has not gained wider acceptance in the energy market. it has a two fold benefit, it cleans the emissions from smokestacks reducing CO2 and other gasses, and it produces an algea that can be used for biofuels, as well as other “green” products. This single technology could drastically reduce the US CO2 emissions from existing coal plants. It seems like a no-brainer, and as CEP is showing, it is a fantastic business oportunity.

I want to thank Chris Crowely from Columbia Energy partners for inviting me to their event and hope that they continue to prosper, and show the rest of the energy industry how to be great by doing good.

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A nice little introductory video about aquaponics by the great people at Good magazine. They do a decent job of describing the basics of an Aquaponics system. They actually show several systems in the video, an interesting one is based around aquarium fish tanks. However they use a solids filter and a seperate bio-filterboth of which are unnecessary and are actually diverting nutrients from the plant beds.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that people in the Western World live in relatively good conditions – but I bet most people didn’t know that around 40% of homes in the UK, Canada and across the EU are infected with damp and toxic mould.If you’ve moved home lately chances are you’ll have encountered at least one nightmare property infested with mould.  But most people aren’t even aware of the problem.Many people don’t even notice damp in its early stages as it is hidden in corners behind furniture or even inside the walls. 

Health problems
There are a number of frightening health issues caused by damp in the home.Many times people get hayfever-like symptoms as a result of damp – watery eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion.  But a recent study also showed it can cause asthma in children and certainly make things work for asthma sufferers.There have also been cases of serious respiratory illness arising from damp.  Another recent study even revealed a connection between mold and depression! 

Causes
How, then, does this fungal intruder enter your home?  Well the first thing to say is a bit of mould is entirely normal and can be found everywhere.However the major problems start when it’s left untreated and allowed to spread.Mold occurs when there too much moisture in the atmosphere and it has nowhere to escape.Water collects in the atmosphere from places like the bathroom, as well as condensation on windows.But it needs to go somewhere!Inadequate ventilation sometimes occurs because builders don’t take care to properly damp proof a new house.Another cause is when a house lacks proper air vents.And the more we are concerned about saving energy these days, the more we are tending to lock the air – and moisture – into our homes.

Dealing with damp
I hope I’ve managed to convince you that the threat of mold is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored – we should all be worried about preventing it. It’s not just for people who already have damp problems.Left unchecked it becomes a lot harder – and costlier – to deal with.  Here are some top tips on how to avoid damp buildup in your home or workplace:

1. Dry up any build up of condensation you notice around the house within 24-48 hours.Don’t forget – mold cannot survive without water in the atmosphere.
2. Ensure that you get proper ventilation in the building to give moisture an escape route.If there aren’t proper air vents to the outside, get them installed.
3. Consider getting insulation put in on cold surfaces prote to attracting condensation – such as piping, windows and roofs.
4. It’s well worth considering investing in one of the many dehumidifiers out there to remove moisture from the atmosphere.  Certain portable air conditioners also do the job, with the added bonus of keeping you cool in the summer.
5. Know your rights.Once mold problems get serious they can cause serious problems that could cost you a lot. Find out from your home insurance to see if your policy covers mold damage. Tenants should push their landlords to have a professional damp inspector visit and assess the house.

Moving home, with the contents of just a few rooms and your family, is said to be one of the most stressful things anyone can do. If that’s the case, then imagine what the hassle factor will be like in moving your entire business, especially if it’s a London removals! Office moves can make or break a company, but London business removal specialist, Amber Moves, claim that they also provide the perfect opportunity to rethink some aspects of your business.
If you’ve decided that you’ve got to go through the upheaval of a physical move, aside from selecting a removal company that will make the process easier, you can also look at some of the fundamentals of your business to see if there are any opportunities for cost savings, consolidation of resources, or using new technology.
How do you know you do need to move your company or your home?For some it will be obvious: you take on new staff and find it hard to fit them in or the location you’re in proves to be less good for business than you’d first thought of. If that’s the situation, you’re into “extra time”.Ideally, you should contemplate a housing move before you get to the point that the premises constrains your business.  Indeed, precisely when you plan to move from your original offices should form part of your initial overall business plan, using simple triggers like number of staff or turnover. That way you can start planning the actual move early, which will deliver many more advantages and make the physical transitions much easier.
Your selected removal company should always survey your office prior to the move and assist in the planning and co-ordination right through to the unpacking of the last crate.  The simple plastic crate is the backbone of any office of business move:  ranging from a standard A3 crate to Computer Crates for IT equipment. Crates are usually quoted on a weekly hire basis which gives you time to pack and unpack.  Moving safes and fireproof cabinets is a very specialist job and requires expertise and experience.Any Confidential materials that do not need to be relocated should be destroyed in the right way, so make sure your removal company has the capacity for this.
If you decide not to move, but you still need far more space, it may make far greater sense to consider better ways of reusing your current property.  Small companies often grow in an organic, unplanned manner that mean space isn’t always optimum.  A chartered surveyor might be able to make better use of the space you have available or consult your IT supplier to see if there’s a way of consolidating systems to better use space. You could consider implementing flexible working or home working policies that cut the need for business travel, reduce required office space and improve your carbon footprint.
Another way to maximise the use of your own space is business storage. We’re all familiar with home storage companies which let you store unwanted items in a safe and enclosed environment for a small fee per month. For office equipment, furniture or many other items for that matter for which you’ve acquired but don’t currently need (but may in the future) using business storage can be a good option.

Introduction

Ionic air purifiers hold the promise of clean air, purified of all known harmful contaminants that threaten our health. Air is made impure by substances unseen by our naked eye. Invisible ions battling invisible contaminants appears to make perfect sense. Intuitively, the logic appeals to me. But these days, finding a simple and quick solution is rare. Googling the subject unearths a ton of controversy. Obviously, I must resist the urge to go by intuition and grab the first ionic air purifier that I lay hands on. The search for an ionic air purifier must focus on its safety aspects as much, if not more, than its effectiveness against contaminants.

The recent China melamine saga that killed infants also serves as a reminder to us that in buying into any technology or any product, all claims by manufacturers and distributors must be screened to the fullest extent that our resources permit. This is especially so where the key reactive agent is invisible to the naked eye. Invisible ions of ionic air purifiers fall squarely in this realm.

This article is an overview of existing ionic air purifier technologies in the global marketplace. Trying to understand the science behind the technologies seems to be the logical place to begin searching for the ideal ionic air purifier. The creation of a powerful invisible defence shield against airborne molecular contaminants is increasingly taking centrestage. The prime threat being closely monitored by scientists all over the world is the avian flu virus.

Types of Ionic Air Purifier Technologies

Broadly speaking, air purification technologies can be deployed in either passive or active modes. Under passive technology modes, reactive agents are contained in the air purifier whilst impure air is drawn in for cleansing before being pushed back to the environment. Conversely, in active mode, reactive agents are pumped into the impure air environment. It is not unusual to find combinations of both passive and active modes in many ionic air puriifers.

In the global market today, ionic air purifier technologies include the following categories:

(A) Ion generator – positive and negative ions
(B) Ion generator – negative ions only
(C) Photocatalytic Oxidation (POC)
(D) Electrostatic filter
(E) Combos

Ion Generator – Positive and Negative Ions

This combination of positive and negative ions appears to show the most promise for the future of ionic air purifier technology. Pioneered by the Japanese corporate giant, Sharp Corporation, they are known as plasmacluster ions.

Plasmaclusters of positive and negative ions encircle and latch onto harmful bacteria and viruses in a deadly grip. In so doing, the production of hydroxyl is activated. Commonly known as nature’s detergent, hydroxyl is a powerful reactive species that destroys airborne particulates by removing hydrogen molecules from their organic structures. The by-products of this chemical reaction, mainly water, are harmless.

A differential ion generator is used in this technology, comprising a positive and a negative ion generator which can be powered in alternate cycles to control the type of ions generated.

Advocates of the positive and negative ions combination claim that a balance of both these ion types is to be found in places like waterfalls and pristine forests, i.e. this is the real state of the natural environment. In contrast, proponents of negative ions technology insist that negative ions fill natural habitats and that the presence of positive ions is harmful. In this regard, I have yet to find independent scientific studies as evidence for the contradictory claims of both camps.

Ion Generator – Negative Ions

The traditional ionic air purifier produces only negative ions. This technology appears to have the main market share currently but is facing a serious challenge from Sharp’s plasmacluster positive and negative ions technology.

It is claimed that nearly all harmful airborne particulates like dust, smoke and bacteria etc have a positive charge. Negative ions from the air purifier attach themselves to these particulates until they get weighed down and fall to the ground. Thereafter, simple vacuuming removes these impurities. Weighing down the particulates does nothing to destory them, according to critics, and merely walking on them causes the air to be polluted again.

Apparently, there are a number of ways to produce negative ions. It is crucial to know the various methods as each may have different by-products, some of which are harmful. These methods include:

(1) Water method – this employs what is known as the waterfall or Lenard Effect. Onto a metal plate that is electrically-charged, water droplets are splashed. Large numbers of negative ions are produced as water droplets are split. Proponents of the water method believe it to be free of harmful by-products.

(2) Electron radiation method – this is based on a single negative discharge electrode needle. The simple application of a high voltage pulse to the electrode results in millions of negatively-charged electrons being produced. This method does not result in ozone being produced. It is claimed that this is because a “smaller” energy pulse is applied.

(3) Corona discharge method – this is based on a dual electrode model, a sharp metal electrode and a flat electrode. High voltage is applied between the electrodes. This causes the movement of electrons between the electrodes thereby ionising the air in between them. An inherent flaw of this method is the production of harmful by-products like ozone and nitride oxide.

Photocatalytic Oxidation (POC)

This technology is commonly applied in a passive mode. It is also based on the powerful reactive agent hydroxyl which purifies impure air that is pulled through the air purifier.

Germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light is commonly shone on a catalyst (usually titanium oxide) to produce hydroxyl, oxygen and peroxide, all of which are potent oxidising agents that are very effective at destroying the organic structure of micro-organisms and gaseous volatile organic compounds.

Complete and comprehensive action is the pillar of POC technology. Proponents of this technology claim that POC inactivates ALL categories of indoor pollution, including:

(1) airborne particulates i.e. dust, pet dander, plant pollen, sea salts, tobacco smoke, industrial and car pollution, etc

(2) bioaerosols i.e. infectious biological compounds (e.g. pathogenic bacteria and viruses) or non-contagious and non-infectious (e.g. non-pathogenic bacteria, molds, cell debris)

(3) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) i.e. gaseous chemicals or odours – benzene, styrene, toluene, chloroform, hexane, ethanol, formaldehyde and ethylene all common emissions from everyday products of our modern home.

POC technology has been criticised for relying on hydroxyl which are believed to attack with equal tenacity the organic structures that make up molecular contaminants and our lung tissue, nose membranes and eye cornea.

Electrostatic Filter

This technology appears to have originated in heavy industries which produced abundant pollutants. In the most common electrostatic filter arrangement, there is a porous dielectric material positioned between two electrodes. A dielectric material does not conduct electricity while metallic electrodes are good conductors that transmit or receive electricity.

Impure air is sucked into the electrostatic purifier and passed over the dielectric material which acts like a sieve. Electrostatic electricity between the electrodes causes airborne particulates i.e.smoke contaminants, dust, etc, to adhere to the dielectric surface. From the other end of the purifier, purified air emerges.

Quite often, an ion source is placed before the electrostatic filter to impart an electric charge to the airborne particulates. These impurities, so charged, stick more effectively to the dielectric material.

Criticism of electrostatic filter technology focuses on ozone as a by-product, commonly assumed to be produced in all ionisation processes.

Combo Ionic Air Purifiers

To cater to the various adherents and critics of the diverse technologies, combos incorporate all or some of the above types of technologies. Combos may include:

(1) adsorptive materials such as activated carbon or oxygenated charcoal (known for its extremely porous large surface area) are added to POC technology to enhance the removal of VOCs;

(2) oxidizing catalysts like titanium oxide are coated on various components of all types of air purifiers to enhance VOC elimination;

(3) reducing catalysts such as manganese dioxide are coated near the exit outlets of many air purifiers to reduce reactive species like ozone and nitric oxide which may be harmful;

(4) generating ions by differing methods such as using microwave, UV light, radio frequency waves, and direct current;

(5) tweaking the specifications of any ionic air purifier technology so as to attain the well-known HEPA status without actually using HEPA filters.

Obviously, the process of selecting the most efficient and effective ionic air purifier involves analysing a deluge of information. I have barely skimmed the surface of the safety issues of each technology. I will also be studying in greater depth the claims of each technology. So before you put your money down for any air purifier in your homes, offices, schools, etc, check back here for updates as I continue my quest for the ideal ionic air purifier.

To easily receive updates on new articles, subscribe to The Ionic Air Purifier Blog today.

Introduction

Ionic air purifiers hold the promise of clean air, purified of all known harmful contaminants that threaten our health. Air is made impure by substances unseen by our naked eye. The weapons against such are very likely to be invisible to our eyes as well. Intuitively, the logic is appealing. But these days, finding a simple and quick solution is rare. Googling the subject unearths a ton of controversy. It is quite clear that the urge to rush out and buy an ionic air purifier must be suppressed at the moment. Safety, more than effectiveness, must be given higher weightage in the selection of an ionic air purifier.

The recent China melamine saga that killed infants also serves as a reminder to us that in buying into any technology or any product, all claims by manufacturers and distributors must be screened to the fullest extent that our resources permit. This is even more critical when the key reactive agent is unseen to the human eye. Invisible ions of ionic air purifiers fall squarely in this realm.

This article is an overview of existing ionic air purifier technology in the marketplace. As laypersons, I believe we have to adopt a back-to-basics approach to try and understand the technologies. The creation of a powerful invisible defence shield against airborne molecular contaminants is increasingly taking centrestage. The dominant global health threat under the scrutiny of scientists is the avian flu virus.

Types of Ionic Air Purifier Technologies

Broadly speaking, air purification technologies can be deployed in either passive or active modes. Passive typically means that impure air is drawn into the air purifier for the reactive agents to work on before re-emerging as cleaned air into the environment. Active generally means dispersive processes by which the impure air is penetrated and purified by the reactive agents. Interestingly, marketeers betray their lack of confidence in their own ionic air purifier technologies by combining both passive and active modes.

In the global market today, ionic air purifier technologies include the following categories:

(A) Ion generator – positive and negative ions
(B) Ion generator – negative ions only
(C) Photocatalytic Oxidation (POC)
(D) Electrostatic filter
(E) Combos

Ion Generator – Positive and Negative Ions

This combination of positive and negative ions appears to show the most promise for the future of ionic air purifier technology. Pioneered by the Japanese corporate giant, Sharp Corporation, they are known as plasmacluster ions.

Sharp explains that the plasmacluster of positive and negative ions clump to harmful airborne bacteria and viruses. When this happens, hydroxyl is produced. Commonly known as nature’s detergent, hydroxyl is a powerful reactive species that destroys airborne particulates by removing hydrogen molecules from their organic structures. Harmless by-products, mainly water, are generated by this chemical reaction.

A differential ion generator is used in this technology, comprising a positive and a negative ion generator which can be powered in alternate cycles to control the type of ions generated.

Advocates of the positive and negative ions combination claim that a balance of both these ion types is to be found in places like waterfalls and pristine forests, i.e. this is the real state of the natural environment. Adherents of the negative ions technology expound the view that negative ions dominate these natural habitats and that positive ions are harmful. Thus far, I have not found any independent scientific studies to support the opposing claims of the two technologies.

Ion Generator – Negative Ions

The traditional ionic air purifier produces only negative ions. This method seems to dominate market share in the industry but is coming under serious threat from Sharp’s plasmacluster positive and negative ions technology.

It is claimed that nearly all harmful airborne particulates like dust, smoke and bacteria etc have a positive charge. Negatively charged ions are naturally attracted to these particulates until they sink to the ground by sheer weight. Regular vacuuming removes these impurities from our environment. Critics of negative ion technology charge that the weighed down particulates are not destroyed and the mere act of walking around the room kicks them back into the air that we breathe.

It seems that there are several ways to produce negative ions. It is critical to know the various methods as each may have different by-products, some harmful and some which are not. These methods include:

(1) Water method – this employs what is known as the waterfall or Lenard Effect. Water droplets are splashed onto a metal plate where a small electric charge is applied. The charge splits the water droplets resulting in the production of a large number of negative ions. Proponents of the water method believe it to be free of harmful by-products.

(2) Electron radiation method – this is based on a single negative discharge electrode needle. Negatively-charged electrons are produced by the millions when a high voltage pulse is applied to the electrode. An advantage of this method is that no ozone is produced. It is claimed that this is because a “smaller” energy pulse is applied.

(3) Corona discharge method – this is based on a dual electrode model, a sharp metal electrode and a flat electrode. High voltage is applied between the electrodes. The movement of electrons between the electrodes ionises the air in that same space. An inherent flaw of this method is the production of harmful by-products like ozone and nitride oxide.

Photocatalytic Oxidation (POC)

This technology is commonly applied in a passive mode. It relies on the production of the powerful reactive agent, hydroxyl.

Germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light is commonly shone on a catalyst (usually titanium oxide) to produce hydroxyl, oxygen and peroxide, all of which are potent oxidising agents that are very effective at destroying the organic structure of micro-organisms and gaseous volatile organic compounds.

The key pillar of POC technology is its comprehensive coverage. Proponents of this technology claim that POC inactivates ALL categories of indoor pollution, including:

(1) airborne particulates i.e. dust, pet dander, plant pollen, sea salts, tobacco smoke, industrial and car pollution, etc

(2) bioaerosols i.e. contagious or infectious biological compounds (e.g. viruses and pathogenic bacteria) or non-infectious (e.g. non-pathogenic bacteria, molds, cell debris)

(3) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) i.e. gaseous chemicals or odours – benzene, styrene, toluene, chloroform, hexane, ethanol, formaldehyde, ethylene, etc, all common emissions from everyday products of our modern home.

Critics of POC zoom in on the power effects of hydroxyl, claiming that they cannot differentiate between the organic structures that make up molecular contaminants and our lung tissue, eye cornea or nose membranes.

Electrostatic Filter

This technology appears to have originated in heavy industries which produced abundant pollutants. Typically, an electrostatic filter is made of a porous dielectric material that is positioned between two electrodes. A dielectric material does not conduct electricity while metallic electrodes are good conductors that transmit or receive electricity.

Impure air is sucked into the electrostatic purifier and passed over the dielectric material which acts like a sieve. Electrostatic forces between the electrodes causes airborne particulates i.e.dust, smoke contaminants, etc, to adhere to the surface of the dielectric. Out of the other end of the purifier, cleaned air is recirculated.

Quite often, an ion source is placed before the electrostatic filter to impart an electric charge to the airborne particulates. These impurities, so charged, stick more effectively to the dielectric material.

Critics of this technology point to the production of harmful ozone in the ionisation process.

Combo Ionic Air Purifiers

To cater to the various adherents and critics of the diverse technologies, combos incorporate all or some of the above types of technologies. Combos may include:

(1) adsorptive materials such as activated carbon or oxygenated charcoal (known for its extremely porous large surface area) are added to POC technology to enhance the removal of VOCs;

(2) oxidizing catalysts like titanium oxide are coated on various components of all types of air purifiers to enhance VOC elimination;

(3) reducing catalysts such as manganese dioxide are coated near the exit outlets of many air purifiers to reduce reactive species like ozone and nitric oxide which may be harmful;

(4) generating ions by differing methods such as using microwave, UV light, radio frequency waves, and direct current;

(5) tweaking the specifications of any ionic air purifier technology so as to attain the well-known HEPA status without actually using HEPA filters.

Obviously, the process of selecting the most efficient and effective ionic air purifier involves analysing a deluge of information. And I have not even touched on the safety aspects of each technology. I have also not examined in detail the claims of each technology. So before you put your money down for any air purifier in your homes, offices, schools, etc, check back here for updates as I continue my quest for the ideal ionic air purifier.

To easily receive updates on new articles, subscribe to The Ionic Air Purifier Blog today.

For the interest of achieving the ideal health condition and welfare, a person must have the proper and sustainable balance in between his or her concerns and activities. This sustainable equilibrium must exist in various aspects of life related to the health pursuit of the person such as having the adequate balance in their diet concerning the important carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, and minerals. In terms of work and rest, a person must also achieve the desirable level between these two aspects without significantly tilting to one. In particular, it is likewise important for a person to sufficient relaxation pursuit in their respective lives to balance in with the stress, problems, and troubles generally accumulated in their life’s routinary activities.

There are actually numerous ways in the present to achieve effective relaxation and one of the most commonly preferred by the modern population is this approach of aromatherapy. This relaxation method is mainly applied through using relaxing essences that beneficial affect the brain and the body through the olfactory sense thus, promoting a relaxing condition for the individual. To enhance the efficacy of this approach, you can consider using various aromatherapy recipes for having the best relaxation experience you desire.

Mixing and Matching

For each individual, a pleasant smell always promotes a relaxing condition in the physiological nature of the human body inducing quality rest and relaxation. This is the foundation of the aromatherapy recipe wherein it aims determine the effective oil scents for their desirable relaxation experience of each individual. Indeed, with the modern interest towards this field, much innovation and development have been invested on it to enhance effectiveness in result, producing wide varieties of aromatherapy recipe that provide different conditions and ambiance for the interest of each individual.

Each aromatherapy recipe brings a certain element in its effect to induce relaxation or even enhance the condition of the confined environment it is in. Basically, aromatherapy recipe involved the mixture of various scents all mixed and matched to enhance each component or bring in a new type of scent through the proportional mixture in the recipe. Some of the most commonly used aromatherapy recipe are the mixture for relaxation made from lavender aromatherapy, tangerine, marjoram and chamomile, recipe for decongestion made from eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender spike, and tee tree, recipe for headache composed of peppermint, lavender, and roman chamomile. To know other recipes, one can easily search for them in various public medium in the present widely accessible in books, magazines, and even in the internet providing reliable guides for free aromatherapy recipe.

In addition, one can also consider making their own aromatherapy recipe through mixing the various scents based from their respective characteristics and effect thus, making their own personalized treatment for their desired relaxation experience.

For more information please visit my Serenity Health Website

Aromatherapy oil is derived from botanical and herbal extracts that is combined with any organic or natural oil that works well in maintaining the scent and aroma of the herb used. Not all oils are suitable for this purpose so one needs to be vigilant when buying oils made for aromatherapy since many may turn rancid or spoil after a long time storing them.

The application of aromatherapy oil differs depending on the preferences of the individual. Home owners can use diffusers or candle burners to infuse the home or an area of it with the preferred scent. Massage oil can also be infused with many herbal extracts to be able to use them for alternative forms of therapy.

Brief History Of The Use Of Aromatherapy Oil

One can say that the cosmetic use of aromatherapy oil has been around for centuries. Egyptians use wax cones on their heads to diffuse pleasant aroma and scents to help mask otherwise appalling body odor and other stronger smells that may develop in an otherwise hot climate. These early users of aromatherapy oil used botanicals and other herbs to sustain the length of effectiveness of the scent or aroma.

It wasn’t until the early 1920′s, though, that the word aromatherapy was coined due to an accident at a laboratory. A certain chemist, by the name of Gattefosse, dabbling in a perfumery accidentally set his arm on fire. He instinctively plunged his arm in what was the closest container filled with lavender oil. Gattefosse was surprised to see that not only did the pain of the fire on his arm decrease but he also healed pretty quickly and without a scar. This incident prompted the good chemist's research into the medicinal uses of aromatherapy oil.

Benefits Of Aromatherapy Oil

Aromatherapy essential oil has many uses and benefits. Depending on what herb or botanical extract is infused into the oil base, there can be any number of effects for people. Aromatherapy oil is credited to be highly effective in promoting relaxation and calm in an individual exposed to either lavender or chamomile aromatherapy oil. Other citrus based scents are said to be able to energize or invigorate individuals as well.

Other aromatherapy oils are also used to treat wounds and other skin conditions when applied directly. It is not only through our sense of smell that we can reap the benefits of aromatherapy oil. Direct applications of some essential oils and extracts of specific herbs and botanicals can actually help to cleanse and protect wounds and other skin blemishes.

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Cellulite is real pain for many women. It makes the skin on the hips and legs look horrible. What makes this even worse is that doctors will tell you that there is not a cure for cellulite. Well there are some cures and there are some ways you can reduce it. In fact, there are some all natural cellulite remedy treatments you can perform. For this article we will take a look at some of the more basic things you can do that will help you cope with this condition.

Eating The Good Foods

Getting rid of cellulite should start out with eating the right foods. The first thing you should do is start off by getting rid of too much sugar or foods with lots of toxins in them. Stop eating too many canned goods. You should try to eat allot more fresh foods that are organic.

The best foods for getting rid of cellulite are usually ones that are very rich in antioxidants. Things like nuts, blueberries, beans, and fish are great for you. These foods will deal with many of toxins that can be found in your body. Another really powerful food to fight against cellulite is apples. You should make it a habit to eat an apple each and everyday.

Coffee Remedy

One of the most common home remedy for cellulite is coffee. This is because of the caffeine that can be found in coffee. In fact, many of the creams that are on the market have coffee in them as their main ingredient.

It is possible to make your own home remedy out of coffee. You can make a paste out of it by mixing coffee with olive oil. Olive oil is good for the skin and the coffee will help tighten the skin. As your skin tightens it will reduce the look of cellulite, but it will not get rid of it for good. For this to work you will need to apply this paste on a regular bases. Once you stop using it you will most likely see your cellulite condition worsen once again.

As you can see you can get rid of cellulite naturally. It will take some time and persistence. For the best long-term results you will need to get plenty of exercise, drink lots of water, do some sweating, stretching, and eat the right foods. For the average woman this can be done.