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I sent the following letter to the NY Times, the Daily News, the NY Post etc. today:
In the current financial meltdown it may be tempting to put plans for a clean, green energy solution on the shelf - to say, "We'll get to that later when the recession is over." Here's why that is the wrong point of view not only environmentally, but economically as well.
The fact is, a transition to a domestic source of energy - as opposed to importing 70% of our oil - would be a great way to create new jobs in an economy that is sure to see less of them in the near term. I don't know if we will get to five million jobs as Obama and Gore have promissed, but we can certainly create hundreds of thousands over the first year of the next administration. Just as importantly, these will be solid, middle-class, American jobs that can’t be outsourced and use the skills of today’s workers. Green jobs aren’t just the jobs of the future â€" they are the jobs of today. Wealth is created from labor, not from complicated ways of moving money about. After the financial meltdown that eliminated the entire recent bull market, what have we got to show for it? Nothing. Now, imagine if we had put that money into our wind and solar corridors, each of which could be enough to wean us off imported oil, together with a plan to use domestic compressed natural gas to power our cars, as well as electricity, hydrogen, and hybrids.
We should also not underestimate the positive effects of clean energy independence on our relations with those who supply us with oil from the middle east, as well as from Venezuela and Africa. All of these regions suffer from the oil curse, in which resources have become far more important than people. Those countries need to be forced to work for a living, not just live off the good fortune which lies underground. They need to focus on educating and employing their own people, so those people do not become frustrated and act out as terrorists against America. Already, we hear less from Iran, Venezuela, and even Russia, as their resource dependent economies start to collapse due to low oil prices. We need to keep that pressure on them by keeping oil prices permanently low. Being energy independent is the best way to do that.
Finally, the frustration people have with Washington - as shown by the abysmal ratings for both the president and congress - is largely due to the lack of leadership there. There was a time when America rose to the challenge of putting a man on the moon. There was a time even earlier when America willingly made sacrifices to fight a World War; now we are told to "go shopping." We need to not only empower America with electricity from new domestic sources, but to find a way to electrify America. We need not to go to the Saudis with oil can in hand, begging for a refill, but to lead. We need to rediscover our strength by putting our efforts towards a task worthy of our great nation. We can have clean, green energy in ten years if we have the leadership to push for it.
In the current financial meltdown it may be tempting to put plans for a clean, green energy solution on the shelf - to say, "We'll get to that later when the recession is over." Here's why that is the wrong point of view not only environmentally, but economically as well.
The fact is, a transition to a domestic source of energy - as opposed to importing 70% of our oil - would be a great way to create new jobs in an economy that is sure to see less of them in the near term. I don't know if we will get to five million jobs as Obama and Gore have promissed, but we can certainly create hundreds of thousands over the first year of the next administration. Just as importantly, these will be solid, middle-class, American jobs that can’t be outsourced and use the skills of today’s workers. Green jobs aren’t just the jobs of the future â€" they are the jobs of today. Wealth is created from labor, not from complicated ways of moving money about. After the financial meltdown that eliminated the entire recent bull market, what have we got to show for it? Nothing. Now, imagine if we had put that money into our wind and solar corridors, each of which could be enough to wean us off imported oil, together with a plan to use domestic compressed natural gas to power our cars, as well as electricity, hydrogen, and hybrids.
We should also not underestimate the positive effects of clean energy independence on our relations with those who supply us with oil from the middle east, as well as from Venezuela and Africa. All of these regions suffer from the oil curse, in which resources have become far more important than people. Those countries need to be forced to work for a living, not just live off the good fortune which lies underground. They need to focus on educating and employing their own people, so those people do not become frustrated and act out as terrorists against America. Already, we hear less from Iran, Venezuela, and even Russia, as their resource dependent economies start to collapse due to low oil prices. We need to keep that pressure on them by keeping oil prices permanently low. Being energy independent is the best way to do that.
Finally, the frustration people have with Washington - as shown by the abysmal ratings for both the president and congress - is largely due to the lack of leadership there. There was a time when America rose to the challenge of putting a man on the moon. There was a time even earlier when America willingly made sacrifices to fight a World War; now we are told to "go shopping." We need to not only empower America with electricity from new domestic sources, but to find a way to electrify America. We need not to go to the Saudis with oil can in hand, begging for a refill, but to lead. We need to rediscover our strength by putting our efforts towards a task worthy of our great nation. We can have clean, green energy in ten years if we have the leadership to push for it.
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Going Green at the
It was easy to see the enthusiasm of Gerald Sawyer; Chief Operating Officer for the World Market Center , as he met us at the recycling complex located at the rear of what will soon be the largest trade show complex in the world. Twice a year the World Market Center hosts more than 600 exhibitors who ship in more than 1500 truck loads of display furnishings. Mr. Sawyer explained the unique problems faced by a complex of this size that must remove literally hundreds of truckloads of excess Styrofoam, cardboard, and plastic (used in furniture packing) in a just few short days. His solution was to purchase and install the necessary equipment on-site in order to reduce the volume of this mass to a manageable size, and at the same time prevents it from ending up in the local landfills.
A standard bailer is used to compress plastics; a large crosscut bailer reduces cardboard to shreds, and a machine to melt Styrofoam (which is 90% air). During peak show times as many as twenty workers separate and load materials into the respectable machines as fast as the trucks loads can be dumped into the recycle area. A local recycling services company provides the manpower and transportation to remove the compressed, shredded, and melted material, which is then sent to various recycling plants for further processing. In the case of Styrofoam (one of the worst environmental offenders), the broken pieces are melted into small manageable ingots. The ingots are then shipped overseas where a processing plant remakes the material into new usable Styrofoam, thus virtually no waste.
While the equipment was a large investment Mr. Sawyer calculates that investment will be paid off in 2.5 years by saving the World Market Center $300,000 a year on waste removal costs. The savings to our environment are even greater.
As the World Market Center grows from its current 2.9 million square feet, to nearly 5 million square feet when the next phase opens in July of 2008, to the approximate 12 million square feet when the center is completed in 2013. "…of course by then we will have added a second recycling complex similar to this one at the north end of the complex" Mr. Sawyer proudly explained as we ended our tour.
Click here for a detailed fact sheet on the World Market Center
Artists rendering of WMC when complete in 2013
Click Here for an update to this story
Webmaster note: "This site built using 80% recycled code "
It was easy to see the enthusiasm of Gerald Sawyer; Chief Operating Officer for the World Market Center , as he met us at the recycling complex located at the rear of what will soon be the largest trade show complex in the world. Twice a year the World Market Center hosts more than 600 exhibitors who ship in more than 1500 truck loads of display furnishings. Mr. Sawyer explained the unique problems faced by a complex of this size that must remove literally hundreds of truckloads of excess Styrofoam, cardboard, and plastic (used in furniture packing) in a just few short days. His solution was to purchase and install the necessary equipment on-site in order to reduce the volume of this mass to a manageable size, and at the same time prevents it from ending up in the local landfills.
A standard bailer is used to compress plastics; a large crosscut bailer reduces cardboard to shreds, and a machine to melt Styrofoam (which is 90% air). During peak show times as many as twenty workers separate and load materials into the respectable machines as fast as the trucks loads can be dumped into the recycle area. A local recycling services company provides the manpower and transportation to remove the compressed, shredded, and melted material, which is then sent to various recycling plants for further processing. In the case of Styrofoam (one of the worst environmental offenders), the broken pieces are melted into small manageable ingots. The ingots are then shipped overseas where a processing plant remakes the material into new usable Styrofoam, thus virtually no waste.
While the equipment was a large investment Mr. Sawyer calculates that investment will be paid off in 2.5 years by saving the World Market Center $300,000 a year on waste removal costs. The savings to our environment are even greater.
As the World Market Center grows from its current 2.9 million square feet, to nearly 5 million square feet when the next phase opens in July of 2008, to the approximate 12 million square feet when the center is completed in 2013. "…of course by then we will have added a second recycling complex similar to this one at the north end of the complex" Mr. Sawyer proudly explained as we ended our tour.
Click here for a detailed fact sheet on the World Market Center
Artists rendering of WMC when complete in 2013
Click Here for an update to this story
Webmaster note: "This site built using 80% recycled code "
It only takes a s(eco)nd...
Is that shirt you're wearing green? Well it should be. And your pants should be green, and your shoes should be green, and your hat should be green, and - if the exhibitors at this year's Pool Tradeshow have anything to say about it - your underwear should be green too! By the way, you can have all your green clothing in almost any color you want.
Of course were talking about "green" clothing made in the environmentally conscious sense - organic cotton, water or vegetable-based dyes, water soluble glues, ozone-bleaching, and other natural processes.
"It only takes a second to change the world" was the motto for more than 60 exhibitors who were part of the "s(eco)nd" section of the 2008 Pool tradeshow where they displayed all types of fashion and accessories that showed "Green" can come in any style and color
Staff of "Organik"
Disply by "Livity Outernational" Better yet, after talking with many of the exhibitors, Greener Vegas found that these companies are not just being trendy by offering "green" fashion; almost all of these owners are making a true commitment to the environment by doing things like using recycled paper for their business cards and brochures, contributing monies to carbon offset programs like Carbon-Fund and 1% for the Planet, utilizing sweatshop free manufacturing and promoting Fair Trade. Some even power their facilities using renewable solar and wind energy. You can find a complete list of the show's green exhibitors here: S(eco)nd ShowGuide
In addition to the green vendors at this year's show, Advanstar, the show's producer, allowed Greener Vegas to implement a plastic ID badge recycling effort and to recycle left-over show materials at the close of the event. This amounted to nearly 2 tons of paper, plastic, and cardboard. Follow this link to see the impact of this recycling here
Bamboo flooring designates the "s(eco)nd" area of the show
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Webmaster note: "This site built using 80% recycled code "
Is that shirt you're wearing green? Well it should be. And your pants should be green, and your shoes should be green, and your hat should be green, and - if the exhibitors at this year's Pool Tradeshow have anything to say about it - your underwear should be green too! By the way, you can have all your green clothing in almost any color you want.
Of course were talking about "green" clothing made in the environmentally conscious sense - organic cotton, water or vegetable-based dyes, water soluble glues, ozone-bleaching, and other natural processes.
"It only takes a second to change the world" was the motto for more than 60 exhibitors who were part of the "s(eco)nd" section of the 2008 Pool tradeshow where they displayed all types of fashion and accessories that showed "Green" can come in any style and color
Staff of "Organik"
Disply by "Livity Outernational" Better yet, after talking with many of the exhibitors, Greener Vegas found that these companies are not just being trendy by offering "green" fashion; almost all of these owners are making a true commitment to the environment by doing things like using recycled paper for their business cards and brochures, contributing monies to carbon offset programs like Carbon-Fund and 1% for the Planet, utilizing sweatshop free manufacturing and promoting Fair Trade. Some even power their facilities using renewable solar and wind energy. You can find a complete list of the show's green exhibitors here: S(eco)nd ShowGuide
In addition to the green vendors at this year's show, Advanstar, the show's producer, allowed Greener Vegas to implement a plastic ID badge recycling effort and to recycle left-over show materials at the close of the event. This amounted to nearly 2 tons of paper, plastic, and cardboard. Follow this link to see the impact of this recycling here
Bamboo flooring designates the "s(eco)nd" area of the show
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Webmaster note: "This site built using 80% recycled code "
Las Vegas ' newest and largest GREEN commercial building, The Molasky Center, nears its grand opening. The 265,000 square foot high-rise has been built to the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Standards earning a Gold Certification.
Pamela Puppel, Media Director for the Molasky Group, was kind enough to give Greener Vegas a pre-opening tour.
From ground floor to rooftop the entire building has conservation built-in. The automated parking garage features "priority parking" for 24 bicycles for health-conscious employees, with showers and lockers available in the ground floor 24 Hour Fitness center that is now open. The uppermost floor of the 7 level parking deck incorporates solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs which contributes power back into the Las Vegas grid.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has moved their corporate offices and now occupies 7 of the 16 floors. Speaking of water - The Molasky Center utilizes a state-of-the-art "Dolphin" water reclamation system that captures and filters the building's waste water and feeds it into the landscape. Even the toilets feature special "user selectable" low-flow plumbing to minimize water waste.
The theme of recycle/reuse is apparent on (and in) every floor. Special raised floor construction allows for pressurized air to be vented up from the floor. This has shown to be 30% more efficient than standard ceiling vented air conditioning. The building insulation is composed of shredded blue-jeans. Many rooms and public areas minimize electrical use of unnecessary lights by making use of motion or natural light sensors.
Planners at the Molasky Center also went green when choosing furnishings and décor. For example much of the cubicle furniture is covered with a fiber made from natural corn silk, many carpeted areas utilize recycled fiber carpet squares, Countertops are fabricated from shards of recycled glass, and bamboo (a highly renewable resource) was chosen for several wall and floor treatments
In addition to the previously mentioned, other tennents who are now, or soon will be open, include Jason's Deli, Bank of Nevada, The Java Detour, and Legal Copycats.
So as you drive along I95 and pass by the new Molasky Corporate Center with its gleaming green glass - know that its not just "green" on the outside…it's a whole new way of doing business in Las Vegas.
Webmaster note: "This site built using 80% recycled code "
Pamela Puppel, Media Director for the Molasky Group, was kind enough to give Greener Vegas a pre-opening tour.
From ground floor to rooftop the entire building has conservation built-in. The automated parking garage features "priority parking" for 24 bicycles for health-conscious employees, with showers and lockers available in the ground floor 24 Hour Fitness center that is now open. The uppermost floor of the 7 level parking deck incorporates solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs which contributes power back into the Las Vegas grid.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has moved their corporate offices and now occupies 7 of the 16 floors. Speaking of water - The Molasky Center utilizes a state-of-the-art "Dolphin" water reclamation system that captures and filters the building's waste water and feeds it into the landscape. Even the toilets feature special "user selectable" low-flow plumbing to minimize water waste.
The theme of recycle/reuse is apparent on (and in) every floor. Special raised floor construction allows for pressurized air to be vented up from the floor. This has shown to be 30% more efficient than standard ceiling vented air conditioning. The building insulation is composed of shredded blue-jeans. Many rooms and public areas minimize electrical use of unnecessary lights by making use of motion or natural light sensors.
Planners at the Molasky Center also went green when choosing furnishings and décor. For example much of the cubicle furniture is covered with a fiber made from natural corn silk, many carpeted areas utilize recycled fiber carpet squares, Countertops are fabricated from shards of recycled glass, and bamboo (a highly renewable resource) was chosen for several wall and floor treatments
In addition to the previously mentioned, other tennents who are now, or soon will be open, include Jason's Deli, Bank of Nevada, The Java Detour, and Legal Copycats.
So as you drive along I95 and pass by the new Molasky Corporate Center with its gleaming green glass - know that its not just "green" on the outside…it's a whole new way of doing business in Las Vegas.
Webmaster note: "This site built using 80% recycled code "
Hello South Jersey!
Feng Shui is an ancient art & science that allows you to live in harmony with your environment. This is accomplished by balancing your home or office with the elements of fire, water, metal, wood and earth and other principles. Reduce or recycle your clutter! Too much will keep your space stagnant. Without clutter you will feel the new energy or "Chi" entering your clean environment. It is nourishing and uplifting. Try it!
Here are some "green" feng shui tips: bring nature inside by using fresh plants to clear the air, make concious choices to use earth friendly items, reduce waste, purchase less, use less water, let in the sunlight to raise energy naturally, use compact fluorescent light bulbs, use natural, toxin-free carpeting and flooring (like bamboo), use chemical free and bio-degradable cleaning products and use low VOC paints that do not negatively impact the air you breathe.
When your home is healthy, you are healthy and the planet is healthy. Please keep these easy green feng shui tips in mind. Thanks.
Donna
Feng Shui is an ancient art & science that allows you to live in harmony with your environment. This is accomplished by balancing your home or office with the elements of fire, water, metal, wood and earth and other principles. Reduce or recycle your clutter! Too much will keep your space stagnant. Without clutter you will feel the new energy or "Chi" entering your clean environment. It is nourishing and uplifting. Try it!
Here are some "green" feng shui tips: bring nature inside by using fresh plants to clear the air, make concious choices to use earth friendly items, reduce waste, purchase less, use less water, let in the sunlight to raise energy naturally, use compact fluorescent light bulbs, use natural, toxin-free carpeting and flooring (like bamboo), use chemical free and bio-degradable cleaning products and use low VOC paints that do not negatively impact the air you breathe.
When your home is healthy, you are healthy and the planet is healthy. Please keep these easy green feng shui tips in mind. Thanks.
Donna
I was talking to someone recently who works at the airport. Now that our environment is changing, he bikes to his local BART station, takes BART to the station nearest his work, and bikes the rest the way to work.
This is an example of someone who has turned the "green" mindset into personal action and automatic routine. Just think where we'd be if everyone did the same.
The unfortunate truth is that not everyone has these options. I considered biking to school (like Chanelle, aka Piano Girl). After all, it only takes me seven minutes for me to drive there. My family is all for it, but they are worried about my safety. I have to cross a major intersection and there are no bike lanes. Oy.
Hitches like this prevent many people from finding alternative routes to work and school. That's why we have to explain these conundrums to officials, starting at the local level. Let's find creative ways to ask for bike lanes, maybe crossing guards, extra signage, accessible public transportation, etc. Traveling to school or work shouldn't be harder... it should be cheaper, healthier, more available, and easy.
If it isn't easy being green, we should make it easy. Then if it's easy, our routines won't be affected too much and we will be having a positive affect on the whole.
Any creative ideas for spreading the word and reaching the officials? Reel 'em off!
This is an example of someone who has turned the "green" mindset into personal action and automatic routine. Just think where we'd be if everyone did the same.
The unfortunate truth is that not everyone has these options. I considered biking to school (like Chanelle, aka Piano Girl). After all, it only takes me seven minutes for me to drive there. My family is all for it, but they are worried about my safety. I have to cross a major intersection and there are no bike lanes. Oy.
Hitches like this prevent many people from finding alternative routes to work and school. That's why we have to explain these conundrums to officials, starting at the local level. Let's find creative ways to ask for bike lanes, maybe crossing guards, extra signage, accessible public transportation, etc. Traveling to school or work shouldn't be harder... it should be cheaper, healthier, more available, and easy.
If it isn't easy being green, we should make it easy. Then if it's easy, our routines won't be affected too much and we will be having a positive affect on the whole.
Any creative ideas for spreading the word and reaching the officials? Reel 'em off!
I have started the BostonGreenBloggers group here as a way to help locate and bring together Bostonians who write online about green topics.
My blog, Five Percent - Conserve a Little Energy is non-commercial, aimed at helping people make small changes in the way they live their lives in order to conserve energy and other resources. I have been writing regularly since 2005.
What are you doing and saying online? Let your voice be heard and your website known!
Tom Harrison
Newton, MA
My blog, Five Percent - Conserve a Little Energy is non-commercial, aimed at helping people make small changes in the way they live their lives in order to conserve energy and other resources. I have been writing regularly since 2005.
What are you doing and saying online? Let your voice be heard and your website known!
Tom Harrison
Newton, MA
As gas prices keep rising, even tasks like mowing the lawn is becoming more expensive. Sick of paying more to get the job done? Even if the gas was cheap, who likes mowing the lawn anyway? Well, there's a solution: edible estates!!
Yes, it's what it sounds like. People participating in the "Edible Estates" project transform their lawns from green, grassy plots, to areas filled with organic fruits and vegetables. This project was started in 2004 by a man named Fritz Haeg. He has designed the gardens very well, producing an attractive and useful yard area. The gardens feature produce such as blueberries, strawberries, beets, lettuce, and herbs.
Imagine walking along the sidewalk and instead of coming across yet another well-manicured greener-than-green lawn practically drowned in pesticides, you see beautiful organic blueberry bushes! You can't help but pluck off a few luscious berries as you pass by.
What better time than this to transform your own yard into an edible paradise? Not only would you trim down your mowing costs, but you would also save money on buying produce. The environment will also thank you for reducing your gasoline and water use, and ending your lawn's dependence on pesticides and herbicides (if you currently use them). I'm willing to bet you could also become quite popular with the neighbors, especially after offering them some of your fresh fruits and veggies.
For more info, check out http://www.fritzhaeg.com/garden/initiatives/edibleestates/main.html
Yes, it's what it sounds like. People participating in the "Edible Estates" project transform their lawns from green, grassy plots, to areas filled with organic fruits and vegetables. This project was started in 2004 by a man named Fritz Haeg. He has designed the gardens very well, producing an attractive and useful yard area. The gardens feature produce such as blueberries, strawberries, beets, lettuce, and herbs.
Imagine walking along the sidewalk and instead of coming across yet another well-manicured greener-than-green lawn practically drowned in pesticides, you see beautiful organic blueberry bushes! You can't help but pluck off a few luscious berries as you pass by.
What better time than this to transform your own yard into an edible paradise? Not only would you trim down your mowing costs, but you would also save money on buying produce. The environment will also thank you for reducing your gasoline and water use, and ending your lawn's dependence on pesticides and herbicides (if you currently use them). I'm willing to bet you could also become quite popular with the neighbors, especially after offering them some of your fresh fruits and veggies.
For more info, check out http://www.fritzhaeg.com/garden/initiatives/edibleestates/main.html
Hello,
My name is Jesse, I am an 8th grade social studies teacher in Massachusetts. I feel that we are all so acutely aware of the environmental issues that we are facing-that action and awareness on the part of the individual and collective group is a must. Action and awareness are the two A's vital to our success. I was inspired by much of what Al Gore has presented. On yesterday's Meet the Press Gore laid out a simple challenge to not only the American government but citizens also-we must change our energy habits....WE CAN!!
It is inspirational to be part of such a dramatic shift in perspective when it comes to energy. But what else can we do? What else can I do?
Personally, the most important issue is for the United States to become completely, 100% reliant on renewable energy. If the United States can become a symbol of energy responsibility, and innovation-the world will follow.
I would like to know your thoughts on this topic, and many more. I am especially interested and excited to hear about your experiences and ideas.
Finally, I feel Massachusetts, especially metro-west can do much more in organizing our voice, let's try.....today I am writing my local newspaper in response to Al Gore's energy challenge!!!! Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you,
Jesse
My name is Jesse, I am an 8th grade social studies teacher in Massachusetts. I feel that we are all so acutely aware of the environmental issues that we are facing-that action and awareness on the part of the individual and collective group is a must. Action and awareness are the two A's vital to our success. I was inspired by much of what Al Gore has presented. On yesterday's Meet the Press Gore laid out a simple challenge to not only the American government but citizens also-we must change our energy habits....WE CAN!!
It is inspirational to be part of such a dramatic shift in perspective when it comes to energy. But what else can we do? What else can I do?
Personally, the most important issue is for the United States to become completely, 100% reliant on renewable energy. If the United States can become a symbol of energy responsibility, and innovation-the world will follow.
I would like to know your thoughts on this topic, and many more. I am especially interested and excited to hear about your experiences and ideas.
Finally, I feel Massachusetts, especially metro-west can do much more in organizing our voice, let's try.....today I am writing my local newspaper in response to Al Gore's energy challenge!!!! Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you,
Jesse
Ok everybody, the ball is now rolling on getting our presidential candidates on the bandwagon for change! Demands for the Candidates has opened up shop as a group on WeCanSolveIt.org. I am very excited about the possibilities here.
So far there have been over 1.4 million members sign up on the We Campaign, all of them calling for change in our energy policies. Imagine now if we got some of those people calling for Obama and McCain to ramp up their energy policies or risk losing votes. Do you see what I see? I see both candidates scrambling to try and gain votes by doing exactly what I suggest and trying as hard as they can not to lose any votes by ignoring the issue.
We need to make this election revolve around one thing... climate change! And the only way we are possibly going to be able to do this is by using our power as individuals in a democracy, the power of the VOTE!
Let's send a message to the candidates telling them we demand, not want, but DEMAND that they pay attention to the millions of people out there wanting a shift in the way America works.
Join Demands for the Candidates and help me put some real pressure on those who want the White House.
Thanks,
Michael
So far there have been over 1.4 million members sign up on the We Campaign, all of them calling for change in our energy policies. Imagine now if we got some of those people calling for Obama and McCain to ramp up their energy policies or risk losing votes. Do you see what I see? I see both candidates scrambling to try and gain votes by doing exactly what I suggest and trying as hard as they can not to lose any votes by ignoring the issue.
We need to make this election revolve around one thing... climate change! And the only way we are possibly going to be able to do this is by using our power as individuals in a democracy, the power of the VOTE!
Let's send a message to the candidates telling them we demand, not want, but DEMAND that they pay attention to the millions of people out there wanting a shift in the way America works.
Join Demands for the Candidates and help me put some real pressure on those who want the White House.
Thanks,
Michael
Our school has solar panels. We recycle to the best of our ability. We have a green team. All that is great, but is this the whole meaning of green? Is it becoming a fad that's lost its meaning and momentum?
Ever since I studied the ecology of coral reefs for my iSearch (freshman research paper), I have been freaking out. The coral reefs are really the canary in the coal mine; if we lose them (which is possible in as little as 50 years) it is both extremely sad and very dangerous. For 400 million years, the coral reefs were a perfectly sustainable ecosystem, wasting nothing. If we cannot adopt their model of success, the Earth and all 6 billion of us humans are doomed.
I think it is time to change our idea of what "GREEN" means. It should be about consuming less stuff, even if it is recyclable. It should be about consuming less energy (turn off the lights, use less electricity, unplug electronics when not in use, yada-yada), even if it seems endlessly available.
Though I love pretty things and I like shopping, I'm trying to change some habits. I'm doing little things every day from limiting water usage to growing my own mini garden in a wheelbarrow, but I'm also pretty much defying the stereotype of the hairy-legged, flax seed-eating, anti-hygienic environmentalists (though I guess we should applaud their commitment)...
I wish I had more ideas for how to make a difference without preaching. Please comment: What have your experiences been? Have any ideas for spreading the word at school besides the usual clichés or what "We Can Solve It" suggests?
Ever since I studied the ecology of coral reefs for my iSearch (freshman research paper), I have been freaking out. The coral reefs are really the canary in the coal mine; if we lose them (which is possible in as little as 50 years) it is both extremely sad and very dangerous. For 400 million years, the coral reefs were a perfectly sustainable ecosystem, wasting nothing. If we cannot adopt their model of success, the Earth and all 6 billion of us humans are doomed.
I think it is time to change our idea of what "GREEN" means. It should be about consuming less stuff, even if it is recyclable. It should be about consuming less energy (turn off the lights, use less electricity, unplug electronics when not in use, yada-yada), even if it seems endlessly available.
Though I love pretty things and I like shopping, I'm trying to change some habits. I'm doing little things every day from limiting water usage to growing my own mini garden in a wheelbarrow, but I'm also pretty much defying the stereotype of the hairy-legged, flax seed-eating, anti-hygienic environmentalists (though I guess we should applaud their commitment)...
I wish I had more ideas for how to make a difference without preaching. Please comment: What have your experiences been? Have any ideas for spreading the word at school besides the usual clichés or what "We Can Solve It" suggests?
Ottawa, Ontario's city counselors have unanimously approved the building of a waste-to-energy facility that will daily convert 400 metric tons of trash to 21 megawatts of net electricity. The plant will be able to power about 19,000 homes. That's a whole lot of garbage lighting up a whole lot of homes.
The plant, proposed by PlascoEnergy Group, will use gasification (rather than more commonly used incineration) to generate electricity, and they're hoping they can use a cooler gasification process to lower the cost to a competitive price. The plant will utilize plasma-torch technology to break down trash into syngas - a mix of hydrogen and carbon monoxide - which can be burned in turbines and engines to create electricity. It's an expensive endeavor, hence the worry about getting the process tweaked to lower costs. They're also relying on the right combination of rising costs for traditional electricity and fees collected from the city. Sounds a little risky, but possibly doable. There's probably a few creative financing angles they could toss around too, in terms of trash collecting and whatnot, should the new gasification process turn out to be not be as money saving as they hope.
The facility will be North America's first, but similar plants in Europe and Asia can be used as examples. And the new plant likely won't be lonely for very long. Hawaii also approved $100 M in bonds for a gasification plant using similar technology, and competitor Ze-gen is starting up a pilot plant on a much smaller scale in Massachusetts that will use molten rock to break down garbage. Other waste-to-fuel plants use gasification to make syngas, which is then used to make ethanol. Ottawa's plant, however, would turn it directly into electricity. The plant could be operating in as soon as three years, which isn't a whole lot of time to get their process and plant put together. We'll have to wait and see if they can get all their ducks lined up to make the plant feasible.
--------------------------------------------
Written by Jaymi Heimbuch
Link.
Via TechnologyReview; Photo via PlascoEnergy Group
There's a growing trend in the United States, a trend that has been popular in the UK, but is only now starting to gain awareness and popularity in America. What is it?
Green funerals!
There are a growing number of companies and cemeteries, especially in California, Texas, New York, and Florida, offering biodegradable caskets and other environmentally friendly burial options.
Natural embalming services at these cemeteries do not include the use of formaldehyde, cement vaults, laminated caskets, or chemical treatments normally used in conventional burials. Instead, options include natural-fiber shrouds and fair-trade bamboo caskets lined with cotton (unbleached). If bamboo isn't your style, there are also other hand crafted natural wood choices. These biodegradable caskets run anywhere from $100 (basic cardboard) to $3,000 for a custom-painted wooden model.
Supporters of "green" burials say that these choices are far more environmentally friendly than traditional burials, or even cremation (because of the fossil fuels needed for cremation). Everything used for a natural burial is fully biodegradable.
So is this a fad, or is here to stay? With the funeral industry generating $11 billion each year in the USA, the market is potentially gigantic. Perhaps natural burials will continue to spread across America and stick around as yet another great personalization option for burials.
Natural burials are another example of how we're moving forward by adopting methods of yesterday. After all, people were buried without chemicals and steel for ages. These days, more and more people are becoming more environmentally minded throughout their lives. Now it's time for us to embrace nature in our deaths as well.
For more information on natural funerals and burials, visit these websites:
http://www.naturalendings.co.uk/index.asp
http://naturalburial.org/
http://www.naturalburialcompany.com/
Green funerals!
There are a growing number of companies and cemeteries, especially in California, Texas, New York, and Florida, offering biodegradable caskets and other environmentally friendly burial options.
Natural embalming services at these cemeteries do not include the use of formaldehyde, cement vaults, laminated caskets, or chemical treatments normally used in conventional burials. Instead, options include natural-fiber shrouds and fair-trade bamboo caskets lined with cotton (unbleached). If bamboo isn't your style, there are also other hand crafted natural wood choices. These biodegradable caskets run anywhere from $100 (basic cardboard) to $3,000 for a custom-painted wooden model.
Supporters of "green" burials say that these choices are far more environmentally friendly than traditional burials, or even cremation (because of the fossil fuels needed for cremation). Everything used for a natural burial is fully biodegradable.
So is this a fad, or is here to stay? With the funeral industry generating $11 billion each year in the USA, the market is potentially gigantic. Perhaps natural burials will continue to spread across America and stick around as yet another great personalization option for burials.
Natural burials are another example of how we're moving forward by adopting methods of yesterday. After all, people were buried without chemicals and steel for ages. These days, more and more people are becoming more environmentally minded throughout their lives. Now it's time for us to embrace nature in our deaths as well.
For more information on natural funerals and burials, visit these websites:
http://www.naturalendings.co.uk/index.asp
http://naturalburial.org/
http://www.naturalburialcompany.com/
Hehehehe, I been promising some sites for green products and now have a very short list compiled......
Panda Snack brand clothing:
tobi.com (bamboo will save us all )
Mohawk Fine Papers:
Listen up business owners ..... This company is using post consumer recycled stock in their manufacturing they also offset their carbon emissions by using 100% wind power.... check them out I will be buying my printer paper there....still a bit expensive.
mohawkpaper.com
Must include that the city of Berkley will be instituting a policy to loan money at low intrest rates to offset the cost of solar pannels...... yippie for the governator......
check out earth911.com they actually have a list of products and services, whod've ever thunk...(hey moderators....HINT HINT)
green line paper:
"Greenline Paper is a proud member of Co-op America's National Green Pages and Chlorine-Free Products Association"
greenlinepaper.com
The American Enviromental Health Foundation:
The website could be more user friendly but has some good information and product lists...
AEHF.com
Farm Sanctuary......these guys are on the right track:
"Farm Sanctuary works to end cruelty to farm animals and promotes compassionate living through rescue, education and advocacy. We envision a world where the violence that animal agriculture inflicts upon people, animals and the environment has ended, and where instead we exercise values of compassion.Factory farming is an attitude that regards animals and the natural world merely as commodities to be exploited for profit. In animal agriculture, this attitude has led to institutionalized animal cruelty, massive environmental destruction and resource depletion, and animal and human health risks. "
Farmsanctuary.org
Weisenbach Specialty Printing..... Another site for you enterprenurial types....
"Did you know that Weisenbach is a full service commercial printer? We can print your conference program, membership directory, newsletters, posters, bookcovers, brochures, posters, and note cards plus any other printed materials. We made a complete switch to soy-based inks - way back in 1989!"
recycledproducts.com
I will close with this lovely bit of info..... The Georgia Institute of Technology has created a low cost, solid CO2 absorber made from nitrogen rich amines (no idea but it sounds impressive =P) grown on a porous silica lattice that can be re-used (un-like its predecessors)..... (Scientific Americian May 2008)
I am not a huge proponet of coal technology BUT its safer than nuclear power; This means that an actual clean coal plant is in the running. I know its still a fossil fuel and I agree that other avenues must be explored.....in the interum, however, it will ease the changeover to renuables which, at this juncture, is a very important issue.
world without end,
sean
Panda Snack brand clothing:
tobi.com (bamboo will save us all )
Mohawk Fine Papers:
Listen up business owners ..... This company is using post consumer recycled stock in their manufacturing they also offset their carbon emissions by using 100% wind power.... check them out I will be buying my printer paper there....still a bit expensive.
mohawkpaper.com
Must include that the city of Berkley will be instituting a policy to loan money at low intrest rates to offset the cost of solar pannels...... yippie for the governator......
check out earth911.com they actually have a list of products and services, whod've ever thunk...(hey moderators....HINT HINT)
green line paper:
"Greenline Paper is a proud member of Co-op America's National Green Pages and Chlorine-Free Products Association"
greenlinepaper.com
The American Enviromental Health Foundation:
The website could be more user friendly but has some good information and product lists...
AEHF.com
Farm Sanctuary......these guys are on the right track:
"Farm Sanctuary works to end cruelty to farm animals and promotes compassionate living through rescue, education and advocacy. We envision a world where the violence that animal agriculture inflicts upon people, animals and the environment has ended, and where instead we exercise values of compassion.Factory farming is an attitude that regards animals and the natural world merely as commodities to be exploited for profit. In animal agriculture, this attitude has led to institutionalized animal cruelty, massive environmental destruction and resource depletion, and animal and human health risks. "
Farmsanctuary.org
Weisenbach Specialty Printing..... Another site for you enterprenurial types....
"Did you know that Weisenbach is a full service commercial printer? We can print your conference program, membership directory, newsletters, posters, bookcovers, brochures, posters, and note cards plus any other printed materials. We made a complete switch to soy-based inks - way back in 1989!"
recycledproducts.com
I will close with this lovely bit of info..... The Georgia Institute of Technology has created a low cost, solid CO2 absorber made from nitrogen rich amines (no idea but it sounds impressive =P) grown on a porous silica lattice that can be re-used (un-like its predecessors)..... (Scientific Americian May 2008)
I am not a huge proponet of coal technology BUT its safer than nuclear power; This means that an actual clean coal plant is in the running. I know its still a fossil fuel and I agree that other avenues must be explored.....in the interum, however, it will ease the changeover to renuables which, at this juncture, is a very important issue.
world without end,
sean
http://ecologue.com/ShowArticle/10-Eco-Ideas-for-Your-Home
Whether or not you agree with the federal rebate checks, they are on the way or are already here in some cases. So, what's the best thing for you to do with that money? Save it? Spend it? Waste it?
For starters, the idea behind the rebate checks was to give people some extra money in hopes that they will spend it and ultimately help the economy to get out of this recession. So, saving that money, although wise and beneficial, is not really what it was intended for and will not help the economy. On the other hand, many individuals will cash it and spend it on frivolous items that have no value. Although this will help to jolt the economy, which economy will it jolt and how will it really benefit you?
Here is another "alternative hybrid" idea which will not only benefit the economy, but the environment and your pocket book too. Instead of buying frivolous things that will only give you a few minutes of enjoyment, invest in green products and make your home or car more energy efficient.
In a sense, this is just like taking that money and saving it, but in a different way. By increasing your home' s energy efficiency, you will save money each and every moth due to decreased utility costs. This will give you extra money every month, and considering that we are in a recession which may get worse, that might be just enough to keep you afloat. Not only that, but increasing your home' s energy efficiency will increase its resale value. Some Realtors estimate that for every dollar saved on monthly utility costs, a $100 increase resale value can be achieved. So, saving $50 per month in energy costs could increase the resale value by over $5,000.
Now let's talk about how this can affect the economy. While there is still a lot of debate about global warming, I think we can all agree that our industry and our economy could be more environmentally responsible. This is why it is very important to spend money wisely and buy products which are better for the environment. This will help change our current industry and economy to a more green one, because corporations will naturally follow the money and adjust to the current market trends. If you haven't noticed, this is already happening. Every where you look you see the word "green" because companies know this is a good selling point. Now of course there is plenty of "green-washing" going around, but those companies are quickly being called on their bluff.
By spending your rebate check on green or energy efficiency items you are helping the environment. You are also saving money by reducing your monthly utility costs and you are helping the economy, in particular the green economy.
You may be thinking, what should I buy, which products are going to give me the biggest and fastest return on my investment? I'm glad you asked because I have quite a bit of experience in green building and energy efficiency and here are my top 5 energy efficiency products which will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
1: Radiant Barrier: Radiant barrier is my absolute favorite energy efficiency item simply because it works and it works well. Radiant barriers will stop radiant heat transfer (97% of it) weather that means keeping your heat in when its cold or keeping heat out when its hot. Regardless of your local climate, a radiant barrier will reduce your heating and cooling cost. At a cost of about 12 to 13 cents per square foot this will give you the biggest bang for your buck considering that Energy Star shows an average of 14% reduction in energy cost.
2: Window Energy film: Window Energy film is similar to a radiant barrier, but it is a clear film as opposed to an aluminum sheet, which can be placed on existing windows to make them perform like high efficiency windows. These films will reduce heating and cooling cost by 12%-18%.
3: Tankless Water heater: Another huge energy drain is a typical tank water heater. Conventional water heaters are responsible for 30% of your homes energy costs, while a tankless water heater can cut those costs by 60%. Tankless water heaters work by only heating water on demand when it is needed instead of keeping a tank of water hot all of the time.
4: Efficient Lighting: Old incandescent light bulbs can generate unwanted heat and use 5 times as much electricity as a comparable compact fluorescent lightbulb. Each CFL can save over $37 in its life in reduced energy cost.
5: Weatherization and Sealing products: Most homes are not well sealed and air infiltration can reduce a homes efficiency by up to 50%. Common weatherization and sealing products are caulk, foil tape, expanding foam, weather stripping and outlet and/or switch plate gaskets. By performing a quick pressurization test, you can locate most of the air leaks in your home and use the products mentioned above to stop them.
If done right, after implementing all of the above mentioned products and techniques, one can expect to see energy savings from 30% to 60%. With these significant monthly savings, these products can be paid off in as little as a year. So, before you go out and spend that rebate check on worthless stuff, invest it in a green renovation and see a payback which will rival even the highest interest savings account.
By: Adam Beazley
As the owner and CEO of NeutralExistence.com, Adam has put together 2 perfectly sized energy efficiency packages to help individuals get the maximum benefit from their federal rebate checks. The two Eco Energy Saver packages are priced according to the average rebate sizes ($300 and $600) and offer the best prices you will find anywhere on a variety of green and energy efficient products. Get your Eco Energy Saver package today because these prices will not last long, or we will go broke!
For starters, the idea behind the rebate checks was to give people some extra money in hopes that they will spend it and ultimately help the economy to get out of this recession. So, saving that money, although wise and beneficial, is not really what it was intended for and will not help the economy. On the other hand, many individuals will cash it and spend it on frivolous items that have no value. Although this will help to jolt the economy, which economy will it jolt and how will it really benefit you?
Here is another "alternative hybrid" idea which will not only benefit the economy, but the environment and your pocket book too. Instead of buying frivolous things that will only give you a few minutes of enjoyment, invest in green products and make your home or car more energy efficient.
In a sense, this is just like taking that money and saving it, but in a different way. By increasing your home' s energy efficiency, you will save money each and every moth due to decreased utility costs. This will give you extra money every month, and considering that we are in a recession which may get worse, that might be just enough to keep you afloat. Not only that, but increasing your home' s energy efficiency will increase its resale value. Some Realtors estimate that for every dollar saved on monthly utility costs, a $100 increase resale value can be achieved. So, saving $50 per month in energy costs could increase the resale value by over $5,000.
Now let's talk about how this can affect the economy. While there is still a lot of debate about global warming, I think we can all agree that our industry and our economy could be more environmentally responsible. This is why it is very important to spend money wisely and buy products which are better for the environment. This will help change our current industry and economy to a more green one, because corporations will naturally follow the money and adjust to the current market trends. If you haven't noticed, this is already happening. Every where you look you see the word "green" because companies know this is a good selling point. Now of course there is plenty of "green-washing" going around, but those companies are quickly being called on their bluff.
By spending your rebate check on green or energy efficiency items you are helping the environment. You are also saving money by reducing your monthly utility costs and you are helping the economy, in particular the green economy.
You may be thinking, what should I buy, which products are going to give me the biggest and fastest return on my investment? I'm glad you asked because I have quite a bit of experience in green building and energy efficiency and here are my top 5 energy efficiency products which will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
1: Radiant Barrier: Radiant barrier is my absolute favorite energy efficiency item simply because it works and it works well. Radiant barriers will stop radiant heat transfer (97% of it) weather that means keeping your heat in when its cold or keeping heat out when its hot. Regardless of your local climate, a radiant barrier will reduce your heating and cooling cost. At a cost of about 12 to 13 cents per square foot this will give you the biggest bang for your buck considering that Energy Star shows an average of 14% reduction in energy cost.
2: Window Energy film: Window Energy film is similar to a radiant barrier, but it is a clear film as opposed to an aluminum sheet, which can be placed on existing windows to make them perform like high efficiency windows. These films will reduce heating and cooling cost by 12%-18%.
3: Tankless Water heater: Another huge energy drain is a typical tank water heater. Conventional water heaters are responsible for 30% of your homes energy costs, while a tankless water heater can cut those costs by 60%. Tankless water heaters work by only heating water on demand when it is needed instead of keeping a tank of water hot all of the time.
4: Efficient Lighting: Old incandescent light bulbs can generate unwanted heat and use 5 times as much electricity as a comparable compact fluorescent lightbulb. Each CFL can save over $37 in its life in reduced energy cost.
5: Weatherization and Sealing products: Most homes are not well sealed and air infiltration can reduce a homes efficiency by up to 50%. Common weatherization and sealing products are caulk, foil tape, expanding foam, weather stripping and outlet and/or switch plate gaskets. By performing a quick pressurization test, you can locate most of the air leaks in your home and use the products mentioned above to stop them.
If done right, after implementing all of the above mentioned products and techniques, one can expect to see energy savings from 30% to 60%. With these significant monthly savings, these products can be paid off in as little as a year. So, before you go out and spend that rebate check on worthless stuff, invest it in a green renovation and see a payback which will rival even the highest interest savings account.
By: Adam Beazley
As the owner and CEO of NeutralExistence.com, Adam has put together 2 perfectly sized energy efficiency packages to help individuals get the maximum benefit from their federal rebate checks. The two Eco Energy Saver packages are priced according to the average rebate sizes ($300 and $600) and offer the best prices you will find anywhere on a variety of green and energy efficient products. Get your Eco Energy Saver package today because these prices will not last long, or we will go broke!
I have wanted to make a difference for a long time but can't always find the best way to do this. I am hoping that we can all help each other by sharing our knowledge. Together I'm sure we can find solutions we are looking for.
What do you think about LinkTV and linktv.org? Read More »
Has anyone tried to find post consumer recycled paper towels or toilet paper lately? I am sure that many of you who are lucky enough to have a proper co-op or Whole Foods near you dont have my problem, which is, finding paper products of a post consumer recycled nature. But..... In the case of paper towels and toilet paper.... WHY ISN'T IT MANDATORY!!!!! OK lets do the math a sec.... Be honest, most of us don't recycle our toilet paper, do we, and, 9 times out of 10, paper towels get tossed too, . Now lets ignore, for the moment, the number of trees being murdered to produce these two universally used products. How much carbon is emited from the chainsaws, trucks, processing plants, trucks again for bulk paper, refining, packaging, fork lifts, and trucks again to the stores. GULP... Now think for a second about those murdered trees that had the potential to off set the emissions from those prosesses. Where as recycled paper would not only emit less carbon in production, it would also leave more trees intact to eat that carbon. Do our butts really need pristine paper products? Does that spilled coffee need a whole damn forest to mop it up? The answer is no. In fact, I have put recycled toilet paper to the Pepsi taste test and found that it is no different in texture or absorbency. Same for paper towels. Now why is it so difficult to go to Wal-Mart (gasp) and buy post consumer recycled paper products? It is time we began to push for FEDERALLY MANDATED recycling programs. No amount of corperate double speak will convince me that it is more expencive to produce recycled paper than it is to produce it from scratch. Think of the amount of energy we could save if all those government forms were printed on recycled paper. The tax forms alone would fund a trip to Mars, and the waste paper from the government would produce the amount of paper nessessary to produce the recycled forms. The trees saved could off set millions of tons of carbon emissions. Is it me? Am I off my rocker? Is this not common sense? Don't hassel me with statements that the infrastructure is not in place. The company, Waste Management, stands poised to go postal all over recycling. If they can produce energy from garbage in California what could they do with a federally mandated recycling program. Would not all of the cost of raw material drop. Hey If im wrong someone please show me the math and I'll change my tune, I've been asking for years and no one has stepped foward. Perhaps because they can't.
sean
sean
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