Happy Holidays Everyone!

As the new year approaches us, and new national and local leadership take the reins, let's stay diligent in making energy and environmental issues a priority.

The challenges of the economy are great. However, there is no conflict between so-called environmental issues and a healthy, vibrant economy where each and every one of us can live a rewarding life. Of course, the status quo is challenged. But by taking advantage of the opportunities for change, solutions are certainly within grasp. Let's stay up to the task of helping this become a reality!

Peace to All!

We’ve all heard about how much transportation and electricity increase our carbon footprint, but there is one topic that has not had as much attention: and that is composting! So in the interest of mitigating climate change, let’s bring awareness to this easy and under-utilized method of dealing with organic waste. The total number of pounds of CO2 removed from composting may not seem like much, but like so many other things, if we all do it - it can really add up. The amount of greenhouse gas sequestered through composting is larger than what most of us realize.

Many people think that composting is just for gardeners. Not so! Anyone who cooks or has even the smallest amount of yard or lawn can compost. While taking on something new in our daily lives is always a challenge, this is one thing that really needs to be at the top of the list for everyone concerned about global warming and the health of the planet in general.

The benefits of compost are many and well known, but the mitigating effects for the climate crisis are underestimated. Composting can reduce green house gases in the following ways:

Reduces landfill methane generation
Reduces use of N20 fertilizers and energy intensive pesticides.
Sequesters carbon in soil.
Improves soil health, mitigates damage to soil caused by climate change.


To get you motivated here are some stats:

It takes one inch of compost applied to land to increase the organic matter by one percent.
Increasing the organic matter of 10 square ft. by just 1% percent locks up 3 pounds of CO2.
Increasing the organic matter of 1 acre of land by one percent will lock up over 38 tons of carbon! That offsets 5 years of the average American’s personal carbon emissions.
Heavily composted soil with a high organic matter content will sustain much more growth than poor soil with a low organic matter content, sequestering yet more carbon in all the green stuff growing above the soil as well as in the extra humus beneath the surface.
Once applied, compost increases micro-organisms in the soil, thus allowing for more respiration in our atmosphere, which results in a reduction in CO2 levels.
Compost acts as a bio-filter for many pollutants, thus helping to clean groundwater.


Of course this list is not inclusive. There are many benefits not listed here.

And it’s not necessary to understand the entire process from a microbiologist’s perspective. If one is able to maintain the discipline to carry food scraps and yard waste to a specific location on a consistent basis, then composting is simple and easy.

So start a compost pile! Already have one? Tell us what kind of stuff you compost and how you use it. Let’s get a conversation going on this. We may not save the world exclusively by composting, but it’s a start. Buy organic. Organic methods utilize compost rather than energy-intensive chemical fertilizers. One method helps the planet and the other hurts it. Seems like a pretty easy choice to me!

And by all means, if you have questions on how to start, just ask!

Here’s to all the rot-watchers!

Effective October 1, Gulf Power is now able to offer its customers newly approved Standard Interconnection Agreements for Customer-Owned Renewable Generation
Systems, Tiers 1, 2 and 3 (Interconnection Agreement).

There are three tiers, and thus three agreements. Tier One covers 10kW or less;
Tier 2 greater than 10kw and less than or equal to 100 kW; and Tier 3
greater than 100 kW and less than or equal to 2 MW.

I have copies of the approved Application and Agreements if anyone is interested. You can also contact Caroline R. Wilson at CRWILSON@southernco.com.

Florida isn't called the Sunshine State because it's cloudy all year! Solar energy potential is huge here, and Escambia county commissioner Gene Valentino knows how much solar hot water heating could help citizens cope with rising energy costs.

Under a newly proposed pilot program, homeowners will get a rebate for installing solar thermal water heating systems in their homes. Gulf Power is in the mix and it looks like those of us who know how hot it gets on our roofs (I've been on mine a lot after hurricanes!) will get the chance to take advantage of this free source of hot water.

Solar hot water heaters are many more times expensive than conventional heaters, but the electric and natural gas savings offer paybacks within 5 years for most installations. Still, many find it difficult to finance the purchase. Hopefully the proposed rebate will go into effect as planned and continue to be offered as long as necessary.

Sunshine in the Sunshine State is truly one of our greatest resources, and I encourage everyone to let their local leaders know that this renewable resource is not utilized nearly enough!

Looking for others in the Pensacola, FL area to share ideas with? Then post a comment, and let us know who you are! If you live here, then you know how special it is and how much more special it can become. Pensacola is dynamic and great things are happening. Join us in our effort to build community!   Read More »