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South Carolina Opposes Ban On Incandescent Bulbs

Legislators are looking to exempt South Carolina from the new federal law that is phasing out incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient compact fluorescents. Legislators suggest that Washington has no business advising the state on which light bulbs to use. The law that is being proposed is called the Incandescent Light Bulb Freedom Act, and it allows South Carolina to tell the federal government that they are going to exercise their rights, according to Republican state representative Bill Sandifer, who is also a co-sponsor of the bill. The federal government is phasing out incandescent lights beginning with 100-watt bulbs in 2012. In 2014, manufacturers will stop producing 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt bulbs, which is in accordance with the 2007 Bush administration law. The energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs have amassed complaints that they put out a dim, sickly light, that they are too much money, they contain traces of mercury, and they take too much time to achieve full brightness. The South Carolina House will start debating a bill that would allow companies to produce incandescent bulbs in South Carolina as long as they are marked "Made in South Carolina" and are sold only within the state. Supporters of the bill claim that the federal government ...

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Shale Gas

Thousands of wells have been drilled in Pennsylvania as part of a booming natural gas rush. In the summer of 2009, tens of thousands of gallons of drilling water that had been stored on the well pad spilled, leaking downhill and into the property of residents. The spill destroyed some forest area and water in the area. The well is still running despite the accident and residents have been forced to grow accustom to the hum of a gas compressor running 24 hours a day. On the flip side, a local to Pennsylvania launched a gas station and fuel-support outfit, which took off in 2008 when drilling companies that were eager for the region's natural gas began setting up shop in the area. Landowners in the region have sold a gas company the right to drill on their land, which turned out to be very profitable for them. Natural gas was not the go to option until recently. Natural gas provides only 25% of electricity in the United States and heats over 60 million American homes. However, natural gas has its limitations in that it's more costly than dirty coal. Most of Europe depends primarily on gas for heating and some electricity, ...

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Natural Skin Cream For Around Your Eyes

When you're on the market for anti-aging creams for your eyes, take the extra time to look for products that are natural. People tend to show signs of aging first in the face, for both men and women. People with dryer skin will get crow's feet earlier, while people with thinner skin might notice dark circles appearing more often. The skin around your eyes is the most unique skin on your face, which is why skin care professionals tend to caution against using creams and treatments that are meant for the face around the eyes too. It's very important to be careful about what you put around the eye area because the skin is much thinner there. Thus, the skin there absorbs substances 40-times faster than anywhere else on the body according to dermatologists. Consider adopting an all-natural treatment when it comes to the creams you use around your eyes because your body will thank you for it. Be sure to check for potentially harmful ingredients on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database. Check out some things to look for when purchasing creams for the area around your eyes: - Vitamin C helps to keep skin supple while vitamin E has soothing ...

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Is UV Protective Clothing Worth Buying – Pros and Cons

All clothing protects you from the sun to some extent. UV protective clothing, however, has a specific, protective scale not unlike sunscreen. A lot of UV protective clothing actually contains sunscreen in the fabric itself. Some garments are said to be UV protective due to their weave, color, and/or reflective nature. SPF and UPF are acronyms you will see as you look into UV protective clothing. SPF stands for "sun protection factor," and it's what you see on lotion, sunscreen, and other topical protectors. SPF is measured by how long it takes your skin to turn red in the sun. UPF stands for "ultraviolet protection factor" and refers specifically to the amount of UV radiation that can go through fabric and burn your skin. Therefore, you are going to see UPF more frequently in reference to UV protective clothing. If you are considering purchasing this protective clothing, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind. Pros * When you wear UV protective clothing, you need not be concerned about rubbing potentially harmful chemicals into your skin. The chemical content of sunscreen has come under scrutiny lately, and many people are concerned about its safety. * Comfort is a factor - applying sunscreen can be ...

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Superfoods – Summer Berries

Berries are some of the most healthful foods, and summer is the season of the berry. From strawberries to blueberries to cherries, summer brings these healthful fruits to our tables. They are more affordable in summer, being in season. Here are some of the more commonly available berries and their health benefits. 1. Strawberries These popular fruits are the base for desserts and snacks that range from simple to decadent. Like most berries, though, their health benefits are best obtained by eating them raw. These tasty fruits have high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants and phenols. They also contain notable amounts of manganese. Their red color indicates their high concentration of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. These and other nutrients, such as potassium, combine to make strawberries helpful in preventing cancer, decreasing inflammation, and protecting the heart. They are even implicated in promoting joint health. Harvard Medical School recently found new evidence that strawberries are good for cardiovascular health. The berries lowered participants' blood levels of a kind of protein known as C-reactive protein. The presence of this protein indicates blood vessel inflammation, so lower blood levels indicated that the strawberries decreased blood vessel inflammation. 2. Blueberries Blueberries get their dark color from anthocyanins as well (they actually ...

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