Organic Web Hosting

Organic Web Hosting

by | Eco News, Green Energy

Organic Web Hosting

The word "organic" means "from the living". Organically grown foods have become increasingly popular across the globe because they are thought to be healthier for humans and the planet. Organic foods are grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides and the word itself has come to be identified with being “natural”. The word has become so widely accepted its use has spread beyond agriculture and is now even used in technology. Organic search engine rankings, for example, are non-paid rankings. They are generally achieved through search engine, algorithm-friendly tactics like pertinent and timely content and keyword and keyword phrases. There is another form of organics growing in popularity in the tech sector. It is that of organic web hosting.

What is Organic Web Hosting?

Organic hosting is web hosting that is accomplished using environmentally friendly, or “green” tactics, strategies, and facilities. While energy is obviously a critical part of powering data centers, organic hosting uses it in a more responsible manner. There can also be other elements to organic hosting like the use of efficient servers, minimized use of cooling equipment, and more. To understand the need for organic hosting options, one should first understand the significant use of electricity being used to power data centers.

Data Center Energy Use

We tend to forget that for every web page that is visited, email that is sent or online video that is viewed, energy is being consumed in a data center somewhere. It may be in a small closet-style server room or in a large facility but for every digital action, there is an electrical reaction. But it is more than just the energy to power servers that are using up massive amounts of energy. It takes significant cooling and air conditioning and power backup systems.

While some data centers have improved their energy efficiency, it is still estimated that 85% of data centers across the globe are using far more energy than is necessary. The challenge is, many data centers are located in located mild or temperate climates where air conditioning may be needed to cool them year round. In addition, some web hosting companies have their customer base largely in just a few time zones. Servers operate and use energy 24/7 but they may not be heavily accessed for a full third of the day. Web hosting companies may also be powered by electricity produced using fossil fuels which are anything but an “organic” way to operate.

Data tracking energy use from data centers was not even gathered in the United States until 2008. While indications were that energy use would flatten out due to the use of more efficient servers being deployed, the U.S. Government still estimates that 10% of all the energy it uses goes to powering data centers in the country. That is the equivalent of energy used in of millions of homes.

When it comes to energy consumption and pollution, data centers have been compared to the steel mills of the 1950's and 1960's. While they may not be responsible for huge amounts of air pollution, data centers are using an increasing amount of energy and contributing to the use of fossil fuels. The answer is more eco web hosting and organic web hosting solution providers.

Choosing OrangeWebsite.com as Your Organic Web Hosting Provider

OrangeWebsite.com provides organic web hosting solutions you can feel good about. With data centers located in Iceland, the use of air conditioning is minimized, saving energy. Not only does OrangeWebsite.com save energy with its Icelandic location, but the country produces virtually all of its energy from renewable sources like geothermal. With a location between North America and Europe, our clients are in a large number of time zones. In fact, we have web hosting clients in over 100 countries worldwide. We even support green initiatives like the worlds biggest beach clean up and have most of our employees work from home to minimize travel, energy use, and to we create less traffic. But organic web hosting is more than just a “feel good” option. It can be good for business.

Growing Your Business with Organic Web Hosting

Businesses should choose an organic and eco web hosting solutions provider because it is the right thing to do. But it also can be a way to grow your business. Organic web hosting appeals to a growing market who wants to be associated with environmentally-friendly companies. We make a variety of easy to install digital “Green Seals” available to our customers. When placed on the pages of your website, these seals validate you as a company who utilizes “green” initiatives. It demonstrates your desire to operate in a more environmentally responsible manner.

One of the best aspects of organic web hosting with OrangeWebsite.com is that there are no sacrifices to be made. We offer pricing that is extremely competitive along with a variety of hosting solutions to suit a wide range of companies. Our 24/7 support is responsive, knowledgeable, and available. We are located in a country that values its privacy and has some of the most internet protective policies in the world. With OrangeWebsite.com, you have our guarantee of a 99.9% uptime. We are an ultra-secure web hosting company and we accept multiple payment options from Bitcoin, altcoins to credit cards to cash by mail. Signing up with us is anonymous and we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you are in search of an organic, eco web hosting solutions provider, we encourage you to learn more about OrangeWebsite.com.

Are Data Centers the Steel Plants of this Generation?

Are Data Centers the Steel Plants of this Generation?

by | Eco News, Green Energy

Are Data Centers the Steel Plants of this Generation?

There was a time when the United States and Europe were large steel producers. Today, China has grown to be the largest steel producing nation on the planet, followed by Japan and the United States. The fact is, China produces about half of the world's steel. Along with that title, China has developed a pollution problem and a serious one. In fact, China reduced or shut down dozens of steel plants through the winter of 2017-2018 to curtail the out of control air pollution in the country. It is said to be the largest shutdown of steel mills in history. China is experiencing the problems of an industrialized economy, much like that was seen in the United States and Europe in the 1950's and 1960's when smog hung heavy in the air over most major cities. Certainly, the world needs steel but that has to be balanced with the critical importance of clean air and water.

As North America and Europe have become less industrialized and more stringent pollution standards have been put in place, air quality has improved. However, there is an area of growing concern when it comes to the use of fossil fuels and energy use. It is the increasing problem of the massive energy use being created by data centers.

While it may be hard to imagine how the internet can cause a potential problem for our planet, one needs only perform a little due diligence to recognize the problem is real and it is growing. The question must be asked, “Are data centers the steel plants of this generation?”

A Look at the Numbers

The numbers are attention-grabbing and perhaps a bit alarming.

  • Industry research indicates there are about 9 million data centers across the globe.
  • These data centers are using almost 1.9 billion square feet of space.
  • These data centers are always running 24-hours each day, every day.
  • To stay available, servers are running 100% of the time, even when not in use or when being used very little.
  • 90% of worldwide data center server space is used by American companies.
  • Data centers account for 10% of all the power used by the United States Government.
  • There is a data center in the US for every 100 of its citizens

While the number of data centers are said to be declining, that number can be a bit deceptive. More companies are hosting in the cloud, rather than having their own data center. Then there is another concern ahead. That of self-driving cars.

As we get closer and closer to the time where autonomous driving cars and trucks become a reality, it will create an increasing demand for server space as cars communicate with GPS and other vehicles through the internet.

Even large companies who may consider themselves "green" should take another look at how and where their data is being stored. Small companies can benefit as well.

Energy Use and Data Centers

Consider the power it takes to operate the servers in some 9 million data centers across the planet. Now, think about the other power being used on other electrical powered items like lights and monitors. Consider the fuel used by employees of these centers traveling to and from work every day. The biggest user of energy, however, is a critical component to the health and well-being of large servers. It is air conditioning.

Cool air is critical in the smooth operation of computers and servers. Much of the world's 1.9 billion square feet of data center space needs to be cooled. To make the environmental problem worse is that many countries where these data centers are located still rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuel. You can begin to see why data centers just may be the steel plants of this generation.

The Answer is Eco Web Hosting

The answer lies in eco web hosting solutions from a company like OrangeWebsite.com. OrangeWebsite is based in Iceland where over 99% of the energy is from renewable sources like geothermal. Because of Iceland's cool climate, air conditioning use is minimized. Since we have clients in over 100 countries in multiple time zones, our server use is more spread out, making our 99.9% uptime guarantee effective use of energy. Additionally, most of our staff are urged to work at home, minimizing traffic and fuel use. Our commitment to a greener planet doesn't stop there. We support eco-friendly causes to help combat damage that has already been done to our environment.

Eco web hosting with OrangeWebsite doesn't mean you have to pay more or expect less. Our customer service is second to none and available 24/7 no matter where you live on the globe. We offer a variety of hosting plans and because our energy cost is less, you pay less. We accept everything from bitcoin to credit cards to cash by mail. Sign up is anonymous and your site is hosted in a country that values its internet privacy and freedoms. It is also a country considered one of the world's safest when it comes to data centers. With OrangeWebsite there are no fears as we offer a 30-day money back guarantee. You will have the added benefit of displaying the Green Seal proudly on your website, verifying to users that you are environmentally friendly when it comes to your web hosting.

Join us in spreading the word about eco web hosting and put the Green Seal on your website. Visit OrangeWebsite.com and select from a choice of plans to suit your needs. OrangeWebsite is your 100% green web hosting solutions provider.

It’s Easy Going “Green”

It’s Easy Going “Green”

by | Eco News, Green Energy

Going Green

Operating on an environmentally friendly basis is becoming more important for both individuals and companies. From using recyclable shopping bags to more energy efficient automobiles, we are all taking steps in protecting our planet. Even if you do not have a bricks and mortar business, you may be surprised at some of the steps you can take and some of the benefits you can enjoy by operating in environmentally responsible ways.

For large and small companies alike, operating “green” is not only the right thing to do for the Earth, it is becoming increasingly important for the profitability of your company.

What Is Operating Green?

Operating green means looking at every aspect of your company and choosing more energy efficient and environmentally friendly options. Operating green means choosing more efficient lighting, reusing or recycling waste, using more fuel efficient vehicles, and looking for more energy efficient power options.

There is one critical step in operating your business on a green basis that is relatively simple to take. It is choosing green companies when selecting your vendors. Choosing environmentally friendly resources can make it easy for your company to become green.

Ways Operating “Green” Is Good for Your Business

When you select partner companies who are operating in an environmentally friendly way, you begin to build a network of green vendors. This alone makes you a greener company, even if your business is limited in what it can do directly to become more Earth friendly. This is particularly true of digital and internet-based companies who may not have a large brick and mortar presence.

Operating green and using green partners is good for your company in multiple ways:

  • It will likely save you money. It is pretty simple, saving energy saves you money. Business and vendors who operate in environmentally friendly ways frequently operate more efficiently. This often makes them more cost-effective and competitively priced.
  • It enhances your marketing. Promoting your green initiatives can help position your company better in its marketing. More consumers and businesses are in search of companies to partner with who operate in Earth friendly ways. By making green choices internally and with your vendor partners, you will likely attract more consumers. Displaying a Green Seal on your website can attract like-minded customers.
  • It is the right thing to do. Most of us understand that being less wasteful, saving energy, and recycling is the right thing to do. Making environmentally sustainable choices in your business will make you feel better about how you operate and make your potential customers feel better about working with you.

For those in search of green web hosting, it seems Iceland may be the perfect location.

Green Energy and Web Hosting in Iceland

More businesses are discovering the green benefits of web hosting in Iceland. Why is choosing hosting in this secluded country a popular choice for companies looking to operate green? There are two important reasons.

  1. A cool climate. Keeping servers cool in a data center is critical to their uninterrupted operation. Servers themselves create heat and, of course, there's the outside temperatures to manage. Air conditioning in data centers in popular locations like New York and other large cities use a significant amount of energy. This also contributes to the costs of hosting there. Iceland's cooler climate uses less air conditioning and less electricity.
  2. Cheap, renewable energy. Iceland is noted for its renewable energy initiatives. As energy use for data centers increases across the world, this is a country that is making the most of renewable resources. Iceland is also noted for its low energy costs, especially when compared to large cities. Hydroelectric and geothermal power supply the vast majority of energy in the country with fossil fuels accounting for less than .2% of energy production.

With energy contributing as the single largest expense for data centers across the globe, it is easy to see why more companies are selecting Iceland web hosting.

Choosing Orange to be Green

OrangeWebsite.com is your 100% green web hosting solution. Our data center is located in Iceland, using geothermal and hydroelectric power to run our servers. We operate in other environmentally responsible ways as well. Most of our staff operates remotely from home, reducing traffic, fuel use, emissions, and use of building space and energy. Not only are we supporting green initiatives, we are trying to reverse the effects of over-population and pollution by participating in the Canope Project. This project is replenishing rain forests by planting 250-1000 new trees each month. Placing our Green Site seal on your website lets your visitors know they are working with an environmentally responsible organization.

For affordable, socially, and environmentally smart web hosting with a guaranteed 99.9% uptime, contact OrangeWebsite.com, where it's easy being green.

Mercedes Hybrid Concept car – The Cutting Edge of Energy-saving Technology

by | Eco News, Green Energy

One of Mercedes Benz's hybrid cars.

The E300 is one of Mercedes Benz’s models available with a hybrid engine.

Concept cars often resemble an engineer’s most incredible daydreams – the end results are mind-blowing, dazzling, and completely unrealistic for everyday use. Although these cars seldom make it to the market for ordinary shoppers, they can still spark the development of innovative technology that can be used in more practical vehicles. New technology is crucial for the development of hybrid cars. More consumers are purchasing hybrid vehicles now that such a wide range of models are available. Options are no longer limited to tiny “clown cars” – consumers can now choose a hybrid option in nearly any size they please, including an SUV. Developing new ways to power these vehicles is essential, and Mercedes is leading the way. Their latest concept vehicle, the Vision G-Code, is an innovative masterpiece.

An article in ExtremeTech outlines the Vision G-Code’s revolutionary design. The car is blanketed in multi-voltaic paint that actually generates fuel from the wind and sun. Although it may seem unbelievable, hydrogen fuel is created by combining thin-film solar technology with wind power. The super-charged hydrogen combustion engine powers the front wheels of the vehicle, burning an energy-efficient fuel that produces only water as an emission. A conventional electric motor powers the vehicle’s back wheels.

The traditional method of generating power from wind resistance wouldn’t work well for vehicles. After all, you wouldn’t want anything on your vehicle creating resistance to wind – that would kill your gas mileage and make for a choppy ride. The engineering geniuses at Mercedes thought outside the box and found a way to apply this kind of energy generation to the vehicle without actual resistance while driving. The movement of the wind over the stationary vehicle creates a charge used for hydrogen production – a process referred to as “electrostatic wind generation.” In theory, when the Vision G-Code is stopped at a red light, the wind creates hydrogen to assist the rear-wheel batteries while the paint job absorbs solar energy for further power generation.

The necessity of the electric engine makes it clear that harnessing enough hydrogen to power the entire vehicle is still not possible. However, the electric and hydrogen engines work in harmony to create a more energy-efficient product. There are still no figures to show exactly how much fuel is produced by the multi-voltaic paint, and research needs to be done regarding its cost and durability. Even if the paint could cut electricity use by 10% per month, it would offer a reasonable ROI. As the article points out, it’s unlikely that the Vision G-Code will lead to extensive green energy-generation technology – but it could at least pave the way toward innovative energy-saving technology.

Top 10 Causes Of  Water Pollution

by | Eco News, Green Energy

Top 10 Causes Of  Water Pollution

 

Top 10 Causes Of  Water Pollution: Poisoning The Very Source Of Life On Earth

At OrangeWebsite, we are very environmentally conscious, our company and data centre being in Iceland are both 100% reliant on Green Energy Our home country is renowned for its beautiful waters, drinkable straight from the source. But this isn't the case around the world. Water is without a doubt, the most precious gift of nature. With 70% of earth being covered in water, it is also our biggest resource. Each and every living being on this planet knows the importance of water. And, with us humans, the most intelligent of them all, being at the top, one would expect that we would have protected this valuable asset. But, alas! With our careless attitude and blind greed, we have managed to corrupt our greatest gift. The top 10 causes of water pollution mentioned below will throw light on what exactly is responsible for causing such harm to the planet and all its inhabitants.

Water is said to be polluted when it gets contaminated due to the entry of foreign substances that changes its composition. This includes all water bodies such as canals, lakes, rivers, ponds, sea, ocean, etc. Of course, water pollution is not something anyone would be unaware of. For most places around the world, it is a common sight. Although there are also natural phenomena that lead to water pollution, mankind is responsible for almost, all of the top 10 causes of water pollution. Even the 10 most polluted river in the world is all thanks to these various human activities.

Sources of Water Pollution

From plastic material to chemicals, a wide range of pollution infests our water bodies, poisoning our most essential resource. The various types of water pollution that we have to face today can be classified as coming from primarily two sources, the Point and Non-Point source. That is, the pollution either occurs due to a single source such as industrial discharge, or the pollution occurs from multiple sources, that is rainwater washing along pollutants from multiple regions into the water bodies. If this interests you, check out an article on Types of Water Pollution, it gives more detail on the subject. Let us now learn about the activities that are most responsible for polluting our planet’s various water bodies.

The Top 10 Causes of Water Pollution

Causes of water pollution #1: Rampant Urbanization

Indeed, the biggest culprit for spreading pollution is urbanization. Although mankind has progressed at a rapid pace, it has come at a very high cost. As you will see, urbanization is the primary factor responsible for almost all of the remaining causes of water pollution.

The ever-increasing population boosts up the demand for food and housing. This means increased construction and agricultural activities, which leads to an increased quantity of chemicals and pesticides contaminating the groundwater. With rising population levels, consumption too keeps rising, leading to vast amounts of domestic trash being generated. These include chemicals and detergents used for cleaning purposes, personal care products and of course, single-use plastic! The havoc that plastic has wrecked when it comes to polluting the planet is unmatched. An era of plastic overkill, is an eye-opener, in case you’re not aware of the magnitude at which plastic has polluted our planet. And, if the pollution crisis does concern you, the most useful step you could take is to reduce the amount of plastic and other inorganic trash that you and your household generate. Even simple measures such as using a Bamboo Toothbrush or a Bamboo Straw instead of the plastic alternatives, can go a long way in containing the pollution levels and also in spreading awareness among others. Check out our Eco Shop for more.

Causes of water pollution #2: Unchecked Industrialization

A major driving force of urbanization are the many industries around the world. The waste discharged by these industries on a regular basis is dense with toxic chemicals and other pollutants such as mercury, asbestos, lead, sulfur, etc. All these chemical ends up polluting not just the water, but the land and air as well.

Although, most countries have regulations t ensure proper waste disposal and management systems are in place, they are seldom followed. Due to the high cost incurred in waste management, most businesses tend to flout these regulations. As a result tons of toxic waste gets discharged into our lakes, rivers, sea, etc. Sometimes the case is so severe that it ends up changing the colour of the water body and destroying life underneath, where the pollution levels get too high. A perfect example of the consequence of unchecked industrialization is one of our neighbouring countries, infamous for being the most polluted rivers in the world.

Causes of water pollution #3: Agricultural Byproducts

The consequence of a rising population is the rising demand for food. As a result, the agricultural sector gets into a race to meet these demands by using chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase production. Over time these chemicals end up polluting the soil and groundwater. Additionally, when it rains, all of these chemicals get washed along with the rainwater and end up in the river, lake or pond, polluting the water body. A common effect of such pollution is the dense growth of algae in the water bodies, due to the increased presence of phosphates, nitrates, etc., which deplete the oxygen levels in the water.

Causes of water pollution #4: Excessive Mining Activities

As urban development progress and industrial activity increases, the rising demand for our precious resources is met by excessive mining activities. During mining, as the rocks get crushed, it releases sulfides, other chemicals and trace metals. All of these are harmful to our health. Additionally, the toxicity further increases when they get mixed with water. Health issues among mining workers and nearby residents being a typical scenario is a testament to the harmful effects of excessive mining.

Causes of water pollution #5: Sewer Lines Leaks

Sewer lines are a thriving place for harmful bacteria, pathogens and are loaded with chemicals that come from households, commercial outlets, etc. Due to heavy load, decay, accidents and other circumstances, the sewer lines often tend to leak in certain places. The pollutants then end up polluting the groundwater leading to the spreading of various diseases. If left unchecked for a long time, the leaking sewer water reaches the surface and becomes a breeding ground for insects such as mosquitoes.

Causes of water pollution #6: Accidental Oil Spills

Oil spills such as those caused by ships due to accidents or malfunction is a major threat to marine life because of the massive scale at which it happens. This is because of the large number of oil ships tend to carry. Once spilled, since it doesn't dissolve, the oil contaminates a large patch in the ocean for a long time, all the while destroying the marine life underneath.

Causes of water pollution #7: Burning of fossil fuels

Due to the high amount of energy it can generate per mass, fossil fuels are of great importance for development. However, the burning process tends to emit a tremendous amount of ash into the atmosphere. The emitted ash contains lots of toxic chemicals and metals. When these toxic particles come in contact with water vapour, it can result in acid rain.

With an estimated 21.3 billion tonnes being released into the air every year, the enormous amounts of carbon dioxide that pollutes the air, and eventually the water bodies when they settle down, is a significant issue with the burning of fossil fuels.

Causes of water pollution #8: Leakage From Landfills

The world produces billions of tonnes of trash every year which is loaded with all sorts of contaminants ranging from toxic chemicals and metals to plastic. All of this trash either gets dumped in the ocean or they are shipped off to some landfill where all of the harmful waste collects and sits for decades. Over time, the contaminants from this trash begin to seep down into the ground below where it finally pollutes the groundwater. Also during rain, many of these pollutants get washed along before it reaches a water body. Another major consequence of landfills leaking toxins into the ground is Land Pollution.

Causes of water pollution #9: Radioactive waste:

Radioactive waste is the by-product of nuclear energy generation. These waste products are highly hazardous to all life forms and are supposed to have strict regulation regarding its disposal. Despite the regulations a significant amount of radioactive waste either leaks or gets dumped into the ocean, thereby polluting the water and hurting all the life forms that will come in contact with it.

Causes of water pollution #10: Pollution Collected By Storm Water

Stormwater is the remaining rainwater that has not been soaked into the ground. These then run along the pavements, rooftops, roads, etc. before finally reaching some water body. Due to the various activities involved around urban development, the environment through which the stormwater runs along is filled with all sorts of pollutants, most of which occur as a result of the causes mentioned above. The stormwater washes along all of these pollutants till it finally pollutes the nearby water body.

With the help of aware individuals and the strength of social media, more and more people are now conscious of the hazards of water pollution and the role of businesses and poor management by governments in enabling the same.

It's not all doom and gloom, however, there are some great examples of urbanization and the environment coinciding in harmony, Calgary in Canada is regarded as the cleanest city in the world. It goes to show that us humans and live with our industrial lives and not do harm to the nature around us. Share this article with people you know, so that as more people can demand a change, we can hope for a cleaner and healthier future.

Human Body: Source of Energy Like Never Before

by | Eco News, Green Energy

An image of a woman with lightbulb.

Human body could be the next renewable energy resource if the world experienced a steep decline in global energy crisis.

We may live in a high-tech world but majority of us still rely on a rapidly diminishing supply of coals and fossil fuels – the questions of sustainability are becoming extremely urgent. How deep are we willing to mine and what sacrifices are we willing to make in the continuing quest for energy?

Israeli industrial designer Naomi Kizhner was intentionally to provoke some opinions and discussions through her project as part of her graduation at college and the answer she’d created is slightly disturbing, to say the least. Her regard sentiments and concerns are however at the right place.

How Close To The Matrix Are We?

For those who haven’t seen The Matrix, it is a science fiction movie back in those days which pictured and filmed humanity being enslaved by a race of sentient machines that are harvesting natural electricity produced by human bodies as an energy resource. It is exactly the sort of question that Kizhner wanted people around the world to seriously looking at.

Kizhner’s Energy Addicts takes a post-humanistic perspective, viewing the human body not only as a person but instead as a renewable energy resource too. These pieces would be inserted into wearer’s skin to catch involuntary movements like the flow of blood in veins, pulses and eyes blinking to produce kinetic energy then later be converted to electricity to power the light and wheel in the devices themselves. On one hand, it is a terrifying prospects like something right out of a cyberpunk dystopia where bodies are little more than cogs in the system. On the other hand to the logic side, there’s no denying that the human body is a renewable energy resource.

“There are lots of developments of renewable energy resources, but the human body is a natural resource for energy that is constantly renewed, as long as we are alive. Technologically we are not too far away from these ideas becoming a reality, but practically speaking, will we be willing to sacrifice our body in order to produce more energy? My intention is to provoke a discussion. I hope that the project will make people think about the possibility that this could be their future, and make them think about whether it is the future they want or whether we can do something different today to avoid it.” – Kizhner

Her decorative jewelleries are made of gold and 3D-printed biopolymer, each design in the collection would be worn on different parts of the body to harvest energy from specific physiological functions. Nevertheless her innovative designs are slightly seen as bizarre in some cases and are certainly not for the faint hearted.

Where Do We Draw The Line?

When pursuing the idea of renewable energy resources, it is easy to lose sight of the real issue. Instead of asking how we can produce the most energy at some possibilities, it might be more important question to ask how we can live within our means to electricity consumptions. Kizhner’s idea may not be the ultimate solution for resolving the energy crisis, but it reminds us that if we don’t take the energy situation seriously from now, we just might become the next renewable energy resource. Are we willing to wait another decade to materialize or shall we initially practice go green lifestyle from now on before it’s too late?