Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Recent airline attack plots
Passenger jets have long proved attractive targets for hijackers. In recent years attackers have attempted to turn aircraft into destructive weapons. Friday's reported incident on board a Northwest Airlines Flight 253 as it carried 278 passengers from Amsterdam to Detroit, is only the latest in a long line. 1994: Senior al-Qaeda member Khalid Sheikh Mohamed and others develop a plan to place bombs aboard up to 12 flights - an attack codenamed Operation Bojinka that is disrupted when Filipino authorities raid the plotters' apartment. September 11, 2001: 19 al-Qaeda members hijack four passenger jets, flying two directly into the World Trade Centers in New York and a third into the Pentagon building in Virginia. Passengers on a fourth flight overwhelm the hijackers, forcing the aircraft to crash into a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people are killed. December 22, 2001: An attempted attack by British citizen Richard Reid on an American Airlines Boeing between Paris and Miami is thwarted by the crew and passengers. Reid, who allegedly trained with al-Qaeda, hid the explosives in the soles of his shoes and tried to light them mid-flight. 2003: Al-Qaeda plans to hijack jets leaving London Heathrow airport and to crash them back into the airport and into a highrise building in London's Canary Wharf business district. August 10, 2006: British police raids result in the arrest of 21 people accused of plotting to blow up airliners flying between the US and Britain over the Atlantic Ocean using explosives made from liquids. The plot results in new restrictions on what passengers can carry on board. December 25, 2009: Passengers aboard a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit overwhelm a Nigerian man who set off an explosive device as the flight came in to land. The device was quickly put out and no one was harmed. |
'Explosion attempt' on US flight
A reported attempt by a Nigerian man to light an explosive aboard a US passenger aircraft has been described by the White House as "an attempted act of terrorism". Farouk Abdul Mutallab, who was overpowered by passengers and crew of Northwest Airlines Flight 253, was taken into custody after the jet landed safely in Detroit. He suffered extensive third-degree burns and two passengers were slightly injured. The flight was carrying 278 people and 11 crew members. The incident unfolded around noon local time (17:00 GMT). Officials said Abdul Mutallab, 23, tried to detonate an explosive device, apparently a mix of powder and liquid, as the flight, coming from Nigeria via Amsterdam, was approaching Detroit. Peter King, the senior Republican on the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, told Fox News channel: "When it did go off, [Abdul Mutallab] himself was seriously injured. He has third-degree burns." A senior homeland security official was quoted by the New York Times as saying that the device "was made from a mixture of powder and liquid" and was "more incendiary than explosive". Too early to say The official said Abdul Mutallab told authorities he had explosive powder taped to his leg and used a syringe filled with chemicals to mix with the powder in an attempt to cause an explosion.
"It’s too early to say what his association is," the counterterrorism official said. "At this point, it seems like he was acting alone, but we don't know for sure." Although Abdul Mutallab is said to have told officials that he was directed by al-Qaeda, the counterterrorism official expressed caution about that stance, saying "it may have been aspirational". NBC television, citing counterterrorism officials, said Abdul Muttalab "claims to have been acting on his own." King told CNN: "My understanding is ... that he does have al-Qaeda connections, certainly extremist terrorist connections, and his name popped up pretty quickly" in a search of intelligence data bases. Measures enforced Homeland security said enhanced security measures had been put into effect after the failed attack. "Passengers may notice additional screening measures put into place to ensure President Barack Obama, who is currently on holiday in Hawaii, was "actively monitoring" the situation, a White House spokesman said. "The president was notified of the incident this morning between 9am (07:00 GMT) and 9.30am Hawaii time by the president's military aide," Bill Burton said in a statement. After Obama was informed of the incident he held a secure conference call with John Brennan, his homeland security and counterterrorism adviser, and Denis McDonough, the National Security Council chief of staff . "[Obama] asked to arrange a subsequent secure call and... instructed that all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel," the White House said. | |||||||||||
Raids follow US plane bombing bid
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| The Delta Airbus 330 landed safely in the US city of Detroit after the incident [REUTERS] |
British police have raided several addresses in London and aviation authorities have tightened security on US-bound flights across the globe following a failed attack on a US airliner.
The security measures on Saturday came after passengers and crew of the Delta Airlines flight overpowered a Nigerian man and prevented him from igniting a device strapped to his leg a day earlier.
US officials described the incident as an "attempted act of terrorism".
The Delta Airlines Airbus, with 289 people on board, was on final approach to the midwestern US city of Detroit from Amsterdam when passengers say they saw a puff of smoke and heard a sound like firecrackers.
The Nigerian, identified as 23-year-old Umar Abdulmutallab, was badly burned in the attempt, but the jet landed safely in Detroit.
Richelle Keepman, a passenger aboard the plane, said she first noticed a disturbance in the cabin when she heard screams.
"We were in the back of the plane and we heard some screams and some flight attendants ran up and down the aisles," she said.
"I think we knew at the point when we saw the fear in the flight attendants' eyes and they grabbed the fire extinguishers."
'Al-Qaeda links'
Al Jazeera's John Terrett, reporting from Washington, said Abdulmutallab has been taken into US custody.
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US media, citing anonymous officials, reported that Abdulmutallab had admitted to having explosive powder taped to his leg that he sought to ignite by using a syringe filled with chemicals.
In Nigeria, the government confirmed the suspect was one of their own and said Nigerian authorities had launched an investigation.
British police were also searching a number of buildings in London as part of the investigation following unconfirmed reports that Abdulmutallab was a student at the University College London.
"We are in liaison with the US authorities and searches in London are being conducted as part of ongoing enquiries," the Reuters news agency quoted a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police as saying.
"The searches are being carried out at more than one address," she said, declining to give further details.
Enchanced screening
In the US, homeland security offcials said enhanced security measures had been put into effect after the failed attack.
"Passengers may notice additional screening measures put into place to ensure
the safety of the travelling public on domestic and international flights," it said in a statement.
Barack Obama, the US president who is currently on holiday in Hawaii, was "actively monitoring" the situation, a White House spokesman said.
"The president was notified of the incident this morning between 9am (07:00 GMT) and 9.30am Hawaii time by the president's military aide," Bill Burton said in a statement.
After Obama was informed of the incident he held a secure conference call with John Brennan, his homeland security and counterterrorism adviser, and Denis McDonough, the National Security Council chief of staff .
"[Obama] asked to arrange a subsequent secure call and... instructed that all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel," the White House said.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Janata Bank IPO on January 2010.
Janata Bank Limited (JBL), the nation's second largest lender, will raise Tk 1.0 billion in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) next month, officials said Tuesday.
The state-owned bank with an asset base of Tk 250 billion will sell 10 million shares at Tk 100 each under its IPO placement on the stock market.
The bank's officials noted the state-controlled bank with 848 branches including four overseas branches in the United Arab Emirates and one exchange company in Italy will use proceeds from the share sale to finance its expansion.
"It's not the matter of jacking up our capital base. Rather, the potential listing will certainly raise our profile in the country's banking industry," a Janata official said.
"If the IPO gets going, we will be the second state bank to be listed in the capital market after Rupali. Even we overtook two of our peers," he added.
ICB Capital Management Limited (ICML) - a subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) -will act as the issuer.
The bank, still scrambling to plug its financial leakage and minimise decades of losses, became a public limited company in 2007 under a World Bank-financed programme to ensure its operational autonomy.
An official involved in the issuing process said Janata's board has already approved its prospectus, submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The bank submitted the prospectus fulfilling the basic criteria and obtaining approval of finance ministry.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Bangladesh Rain
Downpour halts life
Record rain in Dhaka inundates streets, hampers commuting, education, trade; 8 electrocuted; bus, ferry services disrupted
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Cox's Bazar, Cox's Bazar Hotels, Hotel Rates, Cox's Bazar Restaurants
Open spaces in the hotel motel zone of Cox's Bazar beach are being filled with earth from hills, violating the government's order.
Sources said workers are carrying earth by digging into hills in broad daylight to fill in the open spaces in absence of an effective monitoring system of the local administration.
Hill cutting, one of the key factors responsible for harming the environment and biodiversity of the hilly areas, is prohibited by law.
Besides, the government in a recent order issued a ban on the transfer, sale and purchase of plots allotted in the Hotel Motel Zone and construction of any structure there Principal Sharmin Reshmin, chief of Cox's Bazar Paribesh Bachao Andolon, said hill cutting is going on at different places of Cox's Bazar town from Saturday morning and earth is being taken to fill up five to six plots in the hotel motel zone. But the administration is not taking any action in this regard, she alleged.
The deputy commissioner (DC) has been informed about the issues of hill cutting and filling of earth in hotel motel zone adjacent to the beach. The DC has assured them of stopping these activities, she said.
A worker preferring anonymity said they are working on a daily wage basis to fill the plots. Earth is being cut from the hills in the west side of the hotel motel zone, Kolatali, Larpara and Pahartali areas. No one obstructs them from bringing earth from the hill.
Here are most usefull links about Cox's Bazar:
Reservation can be proceed from online at any time from anywhere. Here are some most popular and hotels web address:
During a spot visit to the zone Saturday morning, this correspondent saw some young men supervising the earth filling work. Engineer Nasirul Islam of Dhaka based developer Rupayan was supervising the whole work with the youths.
Nasirul said, "
Asked how they were filling the plot with earth of hill ignoring government ban, Nasirul said, "Chittagong-based contractor Alamgir Hossain is doing the work of earth filling. I don't know from where earth is being brought."
About obtaining clearance from the Directorate of Environment (DoE) for constructing the building, Nasirul said, "The company has started work by taking all necessary permission. I'm simply supervising the work."
When contacted over cell phone, contractor Alamgir Hossain said, "It's not me. Rupayan is filling earth using local people. I have got the work of constructing the boundary wall of the plot. We have not yet started the work. The boundary will be constructed after filling earth in the plot."
Cox's Bazar Zone Inspector of DoE Mizanur Rahman said the hill cutting could not be stopped. In last seven days, owners of 26 hotels were served show cause notices against earth filling and other irregularities. Cases have been filed against two hotels.
He said construction of structures without the clearance of DoE is banned at the ecologically endangered area of the beach. No firm named 'Rupayan' has been given clearance to construct building.
Md Saidul Islam, divisional forest officer of Cox's Bazar (South) Forest Department, said hill cutting could not be stopped despite several raids.
DC Md Gias Uddin Ahmed said, "Earth filling and construction of structures in the hotel motel zone has been stopped for the time being. If anybody fills earth in the plots there, legal action would be taken against them. We are investigating the matter of hill cutting and earth filling."
Monday, July 6, 2009
Moon ride on Dhaka roads
Poor road conditions, delayed repairs and continuous road diggings have left many residents suffering at different places around the city.
Road works completed after digging up roads, and then filled back, have been left without complete repairs, adding to the misery of commuters.
The monsoon rains, as every other year, have made the dug up roads risky for commuting. The number of accidents on such roads has also increased, as has traffic congestion in the same areas.
Busy roads at Jurain, Postogola (near
On one hand dilapidated roads pose risks to commuters and on the other, different utility service agencies including WASA have also been busy digging up different roads even with the onset of the monsoons.
Adding to this is the roads which were dug up some five months back for works and have since not been re-carpeted. These include
The DCC has also left roads in Mohammadpur -- including the very busy
DCC, which collects a digging fee from companies, which dig up the road for works, is supposed to re-carpet the roads once work is completed and the dug up roads filled again. Experts say that delays by DCC lead to the easy damage of roads as they are left in vulnerable conditions without any carpeting for heavy vehicles to ply on them. Rains only expedite the damage.
The road near the first
On Sunday, a truck carrying bricks from Rajendrapur -- ironically to repair the road on a temporary basis -- overturned on a large pothole. Such accidents are a regular phenomenon in the area, residents say.
Md Zakir, a driver of
Jahangir, owner of Bikrampur Pharmacy near the road, said he witnesses around 10 accidents on this road daily, all caused by the large potholes. Rickshaws, cars, buses and trucks fall alike into the potholes injuring passengers.
Haji Mohammad Osman Gani, president of the Dhaka Zila Truck Malik Samity, said around 12 trucks had accidents because of the large potholes on the roads in the last one month.
It costs around Tk 3000 to 4000 to hire other vehicles to pull up one single truck from there, he said.
Sub-divisional engineer of sub-division-2 of Roads and Highway Department Nur Hossain said they have already started repair works in the area and are now filling up the potholes with a sub-base of brick chips and sand. A thicker layer of bricks would be laid atop this, he said.
"This is a temporary repair of the road. When we repair it on a permanent basis, we will seal this with a layer of bitumen," he said.
Nur said lack of a drainage system led to the logging of water here that flows from Jurain rail gate and
"We need to set up a drainage line connecting to
Sub-assistant engineer of Munishiganj division Md Firoz Alam also said that a drainage line is needed from Postogola to Postogola Shenanibash near the bridge linking
Waterlogging is the main cause behind damage of roads repaired only last year, he said.
The road from Basabo Flyover to Nandipara has been in a desperate condition for the last two and a half years, said resident of Madartek Mamun.
Mir
Mokhlesur Rahman, a resident of
These roads were in good condition before that, he said.
Meanwhile, fresh diggings have started at different points of the city including Karwan Bazar, Moghbazar Wireless Railgate to Nayatola-Modhubagh and
DCC Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, when contacted, said they would take immediate steps to repair the dug up roads. He also said that repair of dilapidated roads would be taken up soon.
Govt's fair price for farmers gobbled up
Massive irregularities have gripped the public food distribution and procurement system in Kushtia as a section of food officials in connivance with dishonest rice traders are pocketing huge money through a 'buyback' arrangement.
Allegations are there against the food officials that they force the recipients of rice sanctioned under the government's test relief (TR) programme to sell the same at a lower price to the rice traders.
The traders then resell the rice to the eight public granaries in the district at a premium price under the current food procurement drive.
Sources said a section of officials of food godowns are compelling TR recipients to sell the rice to certain rice traders at Tk 15,000 per tonne and then they are procuring it from the traders at Tk 22,000, making a hefty profit of Tk 7,000 per tonne.
The profit from the 'buyback' arrangement is being shared among the traders and godown officials, sources alleged.
The government has launched the ongoing food procurement drive to provide fair price to the farmers.
On June 24, some local journalists during a spot visit to a district food godown first observed the matter. The journalists informed high officials of the district administration of the irregularities.
Additional District Magistrate Md Fazlur Rahman, who is heading a three-member committee to investigate the food scam, told The Daily Star that they also found some irregularities as reported. The committee will soon submit its report, he added.
Acting Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ashok Kumar Debnath told this correspondent that they would send the report to the ministry concerned soon after receiving it.
“Actions against the culprits involved in the scam will be determined by the higher authorities,” he said.
As per the rules, different institutions at the grassroots get sanctions through applications for TR rice for small repair and rehabilitation works, which they implement with the proceeds coming from the sales of the sanctioned foodgrains.
The government this time has fixed the rate per tonne TR rice at Tk 29,429, but the TR recipients in most cases are being compelled to sell their sanctioned grains at half the price.
Besides, there are allegations of gross irregularities against the institutions receiving the TR allocations from the government.
Sources said a major portion of rice sanctioned for different institutions is being misused due to lack of monitoring. In many cases, the institutions do not use the rice for development works as prayed for.
This correspondent visited some institutions that got allocations and found the allegations of misuse were largely true. For instance, one religious institution under Kushtia Sadar Upazila received one tonne of TR rice for earth filling but it ended up using the same for buying stationeries for the institution.
A total of 5,608 tonnes of rice was allotted for the district in the current season. So far, 2,390 and 934 tonnes have been exhausted in two phases while the third and last phase of 2,284 tonnes is being sanctioned now against various TR applicants.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Choosing Profession
Now a days, every students have frastration about their future career, which profession they will choose, which profession they can shine, etc. That's really good to think about future. That kind of curicity can make successfull on their future life.
Basically profession choosing becomes from class-9. Because on that class students can choose their subject to fix their future. There are Art, Science & Commerce. Those students who are taking science, they can easily move to architechture, engineering, doctor and many more profession. Everything have Science so that Science student can move easily in any profession. But that is little bit problem for Arts & Commerce/Business students. Theose Art & Business students have some so that they can make their future on those field.
In Business studies perception, every students are an enterprenior. So that those students mentality are growing business minded. For that reason, in future they become successful business man or enterprenior, what every any body say. If any body want to be rich in future so I suggest to study on business. So far you can learn how business or organization create and maintining. From those business students, a merchant or business taikon are raise but from Arts or Science students, they can't do that any more.
Every where exceptional, so that any body can be anything. But their goal need to be fixed and go straitly to goal. Without a goal or vision, no body can shine on career or profession.
Basically profession choosing becomes from class-9. Because on that class students can choose their subject to fix their future. There are Art, Science & Commerce. Those students who are taking science, they can easily move to architechture, engineering, doctor and many more profession. Everything have Science so that Science student can move easily in any profession. But that is little bit problem for Arts & Commerce/Business students. Theose Art & Business students have some so that they can make their future on those field.
In Business studies perception, every students are an enterprenior. So that those students mentality are growing business minded. For that reason, in future they become successful business man or enterprenior, what every any body say. If any body want to be rich in future so I suggest to study on business. So far you can learn how business or organization create and maintining. From those business students, a merchant or business taikon are raise but from Arts or Science students, they can't do that any more.
Every where exceptional, so that any body can be anything. But their goal need to be fixed and go straitly to goal. Without a goal or vision, no body can shine on career or profession.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Merchandising
Merchandining is the most popular job field in
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Security
Security means taking precaution from somethings vulnarables. In our daily life security is very much important. Now one can tell that when he come out from home in morning and return home safely. So, every human beings need to take security from any kinds of threats.
It may be home security, body security, car security, money security, etc. In our lovely country
Job Market
Job market in Bangladesh
Those recition still little bit running in foriegn countries, for garments. It's really very much import for human basic need so that this job sector is still growing.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Fall Fashion
Fall and winter may have brought out long peacoats and trenches before, but not this year. One of the most sought-after pieces for the upcoming season will be the shrunken jacket, in a variety of styles. The difference between these new, tinier versions of your traditional autumn and winter favorites is their length; cuts are the same as traditional coats, but they hit slightly above the waist and often tie or button under the chest. The beauty of these new pieces is that they provide coverage in colder months without sacrificing sexiness or femininity.
The perfect jacket is one of the most important elements of your wardrobe, and with so many shapes and fabrics available this fall, it would be a crime to choose just one. The ever-present denim jacket is back with a new vengeance. Instead of the washes of last season or bulkiness of years before, this season’s denim jacket is soft, body-conscious and far more feminine than the traditional denim jacket. Corduroy and leather are back again, cropped and ready to be worn over anything from your favorite dress to distressed jeans.
A new take on an old favorite is safe, but take advantage on the amazing new fabrics and styles the end of the year has to offer. Brocade is big this season and some of the most sought-after new jackets are made of the rich, detailed design. Many of these brocaded, boudoir-style jackets are trimmed in rich velvet or lace piping and can be paired with tweed trousers of you favorite jeans. Many of these new jackets are cut at the hip but some are reaching even higher—cropped just below the chest (H & M). Made in rich, new fabrics like tweed and velvet, these jackets have mixed a traditionally matronly fabric with a cut and cling that makes it youthful and sexy. Even faux fur and metallic finishes are adorning the newest trend (Allen B. by Allen Schwartz).
Getting short isn’t the only new addition to a cold weather favorite. Sleeves are getting revamped this season, retro-style. Traditional coat fabrics like houndstooth are being used in a new way.Bell
The beauty of these new jackets is the versatility they bring to your own style: mix them with denim, dresses, skirts and trousers. Since there isn’t one specific style or fabric that will reign this fall, all styles and sizes can take advantage of a new take on an old favorite.
The perfect jacket is one of the most important elements of your wardrobe, and with so many shapes and fabrics available this fall, it would be a crime to choose just one. The ever-present denim jacket is back with a new vengeance. Instead of the washes of last season or bulkiness of years before, this season’s denim jacket is soft, body-conscious and far more feminine than the traditional denim jacket. Corduroy and leather are back again, cropped and ready to be worn over anything from your favorite dress to distressed jeans.
A new take on an old favorite is safe, but take advantage on the amazing new fabrics and styles the end of the year has to offer. Brocade is big this season and some of the most sought-after new jackets are made of the rich, detailed design. Many of these brocaded, boudoir-style jackets are trimmed in rich velvet or lace piping and can be paired with tweed trousers of you favorite jeans. Many of these new jackets are cut at the hip but some are reaching even higher—cropped just below the chest (H & M). Made in rich, new fabrics like tweed and velvet, these jackets have mixed a traditionally matronly fabric with a cut and cling that makes it youthful and sexy. Even faux fur and metallic finishes are adorning the newest trend (Allen B. by Allen Schwartz).
Getting short isn’t the only new addition to a cold weather favorite. Sleeves are getting revamped this season, retro-style. Traditional coat fabrics like houndstooth are being used in a new way.
The beauty of these new jackets is the versatility they bring to your own style: mix them with denim, dresses, skirts and trousers. Since there isn’t one specific style or fabric that will reign this fall, all styles and sizes can take advantage of a new take on an old favorite.
Used Car
Some of these used car purchaseing tips won't be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like purchaseing a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.
1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.
2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book" etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these "average" sales prices are doubtful.
3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car purchaseing tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.
4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.
5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to purchase a car for you.
6. www.carfax.com. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.
7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.
8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. purchase at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.
9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder. If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.
10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.
Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car purchaseing tips.
3G Network
In India Reliance group already use 3G network for their mobile network. By that network, every single mobile user can use their mobile internet and talking traffic very strongly.
Bangladesh have some mobile companies. They've plan to start a brand new session with 3G mobile Network. It'll be helpfull for all mobile users.
Bangladesh have some mobile companies. They've plan to start a brand new session with 3G mobile Network. It'll be helpfull for all mobile users.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Save the planet
The environment is a hot issue that we just can’t afford to ignore any longer. To some, being environmentally aware is a way of life, a necessary and fundamental aspect of existence. To others being ‘green’ is something to aspire to, a lifestyle that with a bit of guidance could be achievable.
Young people have been brought up in a culture of ecological revelations, such as the depletion of the ozone layer and melting polar ice caps. We all know that these things are still happening yet we’ve still got a long way to go before the impacts of modern society on our planet are decelerated. Our parents weren’t particularly clued up about the effect that peoples’ actions have on their environment and recycling was certainly never an option in many houses in the 80s and 90s. However, these days we do have the resources and the knowledge to make little changes that can improve the planet for the better. If we can slow down on the road then we might be able to slow down climate change.
High levels of Co2 emissions are one of the biggest influencers of climate
You can reduce the amount of fuel you use by up to 25% by changing some of your habits. Driving is expensive, with the cost of car insurance, road tax and fuel to consider. It’s not difficult to alter your lifestyle; we owe it to our future offspring and more importantly right now, we owe it to our pockets! Whilst we may not live long enough to see the benefit to the environment we can feel the immediate benefit to our pockets.
By being slightly more conscientious drivers we can all make a huge difference. Follow these tips from www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk and you’ll soon help protect the planet and feel the immediate payback in your pocket.
• Keep a steady speed when driving; by reducing the use of your pedals you reduce the use of fuel.
• Anticipate conditions, and accelerate and decelerate efficiently. This is safer and uses less fuel. It is also proven that you won’t get to your destination faster by speeding. According to Earteasy.com the most fuel-efficient speed for your car is roughly 55 mph, or 90 km/h. Increasing your speed from 55 mph to 75 mph boosts your fuel consumption a stunning 20 percent!
• If you are in traffic or caught behind railway gates, then turn off your engine. Idling uses up a great deal of fuel especially when some train gates stay down for as long as ten minutes.
• Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct level. This will save you up to 4% fuel.
• Maintain your car and change the air filter as recommended by the manufacturers’ guidelines.
• If at all possible, car share to work, this will save you money and give you a clear conscience! Some companies arrange car share schemes as do some local councils. See www.nationalcarshare.co.uk and www.liftshare.co.uk for more information.
• Walk to work if you live nearby. Not only will this keep you fit but you’ll also save fuel and money.
• purchase a car with a small engine. This will not only cut emissions but also means really cheap car insurance, cheaper tax and manoeuvrability in busy towns. Driving a 4x4 means 50% less fuel efficiency, so unless you are a farmer and regularly go off road, there really is no need to drive a gas guzzling vehicle in urban areas. By the way spray on mud is a dead giveaway!
So, we can all cut our costs and save the planet at the same time by making a few changes to the way we drive, but what about the future of fuel? Surely driving more slowly can’t be the only solution?
The future of travel
There are some innovative new energy solutions, new engine designs and hybrid car concepts which are set to take off in the years to come.
Hybrid cars are vehicles that have an ordinary combustion engine combined with another energy source such as batteries or electricity. The alternative energy source takes over from the engine when it is inefficient, such as during long slow drives. These hybrids are extremely efficient and half as polluting as normal cars with petrol engines. The good news is you don’t even have to change your beloved car because it can be converted as long as it’s less than six years old. This can be costly but long term it could save you money. There are also several government schemes running that can help you to convert your car. Some manufacturers have already caught onto the benefits of hybrid vehicles. For examples of hybrids look at the Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape and the Honda Accord to name but a few.
Electric cars may be the way ahead for city dwellers. With no emissions and using a quarter of the energy consumption of a similar sized petrol car they may revolutionise driving in the longer term. Although the cars currently on the market only drive at a maximum of 40 mph, they are exempt from tax, some congestion charges and great news for young people… they are in the lowest car insurance group. After the initial outlay of around £8,000 the car is cheap to run and extremely eco-friendly.
The future of fuel
Biodiesel: This is a blend of 95% low sulphur diesel and 5% rapeseed oil. This reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 5% and can be used in an engine that hasn’t been converted to this type of fuel.
Bioethanol: Although this could take years to become widely available it produces less air pollutants and is renewable. It is made through the distillation of wheat, sugar or biomass. It can be used blended in unmodified engines or straight in modified engines.
The future of our environment is in our hands. If you can’t afford to purchase a hybrid car or convert your engine, you can certainly make a start on your eco friendly lifestyle by following the driving tips above. It’s not too late to decelerate the impact of our polluting behaviour by decelerating our driving. It really is worth it for the future of the planet and for the health of our bank balances.
-ENDS-
Editorial notes: www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk is an online car insurance provider which offers massive savings on existing premiums and gives the customers quick quotes and the ease of purchaseing online. Hoot provides car insurance for young people only.
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