Category Archives: energy

Clean Energy Stalled?

IEA Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2013“… the average unit of energy produced today is basically as dirty as it was 20 years ago,” says the International Energy Agency (IEA),

IEA released an annual report, Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2013. The 154-page report recommendations stress “that the true cost of energy must be reflected in consumer prices, through carbon pricing and the phase-out of fossil-fuel subsidies. Technologies like electric vehicles, wind and solar will need support for several years more, but policies should be flexible and transparent. More stringent and broader energy performance standards, building codes and fuel economy standards can drive energy efficiency.”

IEA asserts that stark messages emerge:

  • progress has not been fast enough
  • large market failures are preventing clean energy solutions from being taken up
  • considerable energy-efficiency potential remains untapped
  • policies need to better address the energy system as a whole
  • energy-related research, development and demonstration need to accelerate

The silver lining is that the uses of solar photovoltaic, wind, and advanced vehicle technologies (especially hybrid-electric and electric vehicles) are growing. Still, very few regions have comprehensive fuel economy measures in place, says IEA. Also, while the U.S. uses less coal than before, other countries use more.

You can dive into the specifics with visualization tools on the IEA site.

How does this affect consumers? IEA encourages governments to reflect the true cost of energy in consumer prices. Without a doubt this would mean higher prices. Still, shouldn’t the true cost of things be reflected in the price tags?

My takeaway from the report is that governments need to start doing more towards lowering carbon emissions. And consumers need to accept — or better yet demand — change. Are you willing to pay more and use less to help delay global warming? Are you willing to tell your government to move faster on clean energy initiatives?

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April 17, 2013Permalink Leave a comment

Forward on Climate: Can a rally make a difference?

Forward on Climate Rally crowd

On Sunday, while President Obama played golf in the warm Florida sunshine with oil executives, approximately 50,000 brave souls gathered in subzero temperatures near the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. for the “Forward on Climate” rally. We almost didn’t go because it was SO cold and windy … but decided it was important to be there. The rally was touted as the largest climate rally in history and intended to show Obama and others with influence that people want to be heard on the issue of climate change. There was a lot of noise and signage about the Keystone XL pipeline project that is designed to transport oil from the tar sands in Canada to the oil refineries in Texas. The project is in its permitting process that the President must approve for it to proceed.

USA Today’s report noted, “President Obama said in his State of the Union Address that if lawmakers don’t act on climate change, he will. Protesters say they are holding him to his word.”

Perhaps unlike the images of the Occupy Wall Street protests, we saw all sorts of people from young to old, of many races, and from many locations. The climate movement is inclusive by nature simply because it affects everyone. Buses carried people from 28 U.S. states to the rally, coordinated by the Sierra Club and 350.org.

People in the movement are concerned that Obama will keep his promises about working on climate change, which he most recently repeated in this State of the Union address. The concern is that he didn’t do much in his first term, and that hanging out with Texas oil men reflects his true intentions. Medea Benjamin in AlterNet makes the point that golf itself is “environmentally destructive”, implying another contradictory choice for the President supposedly on the side of environmental preservation..

While today the focus is on Obama’s uncertain commitment, the real challenge to the climate change movement is much more comprehensive. Some still don’t believe the science. Others have vested interest in the status quo. And many simply are afraid so they don’t want to think about what could be happening to our earth, our home. What is needed the most is ongoing education and regular activism as seen on Sunday at the rally.

obama golfing rally

People need to learn about the issues and make decisions about their positions. And then, if they are so moved, they must speak out. Yes, we can make the small changes in our daily lives by recycling, driving less, and trying to use less electricity. However, it is the big changes that are more significant – one of the important changes to address climate change is to end our addiction to non-renewable energy. The science is conclusive, now it’s up to we the people to insist on the needed changes. The Forward on Climate rally participation of 50,000 would have been even higher on a warmer day. Perhaps the rally is a turning point for the climate movement, which has mostly relied upon science and reason until now. For the first time in its 120-year history, the Sierra Club board is allowing civil disobedience to fight the Tar Sands. The rally clearly represents what people can do, how their voices can be heard, and if progress can be made soon – just how important it can be to speak out.

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February 20, 2013Permalink Leave a comment

Listen Up! Living Green Podcasts

Like many people, I spend a lot of time in the car. Which means lots of time to listen to things, if I so choose. Sometimes that’s radio or music on my MP3 player. I’ve also grown fond of podcasts, and listen to a lot of them around the topic of sustainability, green living, and environmental science. So when I’m not anxious to hear the latest weather or my favorite Aerosmith classics, I’m likely listening to a discussion of organic farming or the latest energy projects. But finding podcasts that aired regularly and had substance took time!

If you haven’t listened to podcasts, it’s fairly easy whether on your smart-phone, audio file player (iPod), tablet, or computer; a good overview is “How Podcasting Works.” I use my smart-phone, which like an MP3 or iPod player does better with a podcast player application. You can use iTunes or the standard media players on the devises they support. I’ve tried the media players and several of the free podcast applications for my Galaxy S phone and prefer Car Cast. It’s easy to use and I appreciate the big buttons when driving.

Some of the podcast directories are a waste of time – I found much of their material dated, so that many of the search results are discontinued podcasts. All of those listed here have ongoing content, with regular episodes ranging from weekly to periodically on a less frequent schedule. If you want more, look at your favorite Web sites to see whether they cover your interests with podcasts. They are interesting and fun!

I listen to these Podcasts

Earth Eats

“Earth Eats is a weekly program of real food and green living hosted by Chef Daniel Orr. The program explores local food and sustainable agriculture with recipes you can make at home, interviews with local farmers and Chef Orr’s musings on food, history and culture.” From Indiana Public Media.

If you like food and care how it gets to your table, this podcast offers interesting discussions.

Quick reports on the science of the environment and the future of energy from Scientific American.

 

More Hip Than Hippie

“Dori and Val tell you everything you wanted to know about living a green lifestyle that is more hip than hippie. It’s upbeat, informative, and at times rather funny. (Yes, we shave).” Recent topics include food swapping and how to be car-free. This is one of the longest running podcasts I found around living green. Podcasters Dori and Val might appeal more to a female audience, but the content is interesting to all. Of course this is two women talking, so some might think there is some extraneous banter, but it’s all in fun :) Besides a green lifestyle, they review beer and chocolate, thus adding some flavor for listeners. There is regular mention of the greenfeet.com online store, which Val founded. It’s a fun listen and educational too.

Here on Earth

“Here on Earth: Radio Without Borders is a live one-hour weekday global cultural affairs program with a focus on the future. We offer breakthrough stories that entertain, inspire, and provide insight to people who are genuinely fascinated by the breadth, difference, and complexity in the world.” From Wisconsin Public Radio.

This podcast offers a wide range of topics, some of which are related to sustainability.

 

 

Podcasts I don’t yet listen to but appear to be promising

Living Green Podcast

“Texas Public Radio’s Dan Skinner explores a wide range green activities and issues in San Antonio and beyond. Topics include alternative energy, energy conservation, environmental conservation, community gardens, parks, transportation, and more.”

TreeHugger Radio
“TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. We publish an up to the minute blog, weekly anddaily newsletters, weekly radio interviews, and regularly updated Twitter and Facebook pages.”

The EnvironMinute
“Each EnvironMinute feature contains solutions-oriented information that encourages listeners to make informed choices about their health and the health of their environment. The EnvironMinute has been a success since its launch in 1991.”

The Organic View
“The Organic View Radio Show” is a unique, live, interactive, internet talk-radio show that features key leaders, innovators and educators who work within industries that involve organics, environment, politics, living green and sustainability. Host, June Stoyer, explores the background and mission of each guest. Questions are taken by the audience via Twitter, Skype, Facebook and email. Listeners are encouraged to call (917) 932-1068 to ask questions or send an email to questions (at)theorganicview.com”

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November 2, 2011Permalink Leave a comment

Google Searching for Greener Energy

Google means Internet search – or does it?

Many of us know there are tools from Google that extend beyond search – e-mail, document creation, calendaring, photo/video sharing, Internet browsing, blogging, online chat, shopping, mapping, health records, patent search, online voicemail, and more. All of these tie into a person’s use of the computer or Internet.

But wind farming?

Actualy, Google has had interest in energy for some time. The bulk of energy spent by Google is in its computers that run the searches. These computers are grouped in what are called data centers. According to its Web site Google has a five-step plan for energy efficiency:

  1. Minimize electricity used by servers
  2. Reduce the energy used by the data center facilities themselves
  3. Conserve precious fresh water by using recycled water instead
  4. Reuse or recycle all electronic equipment that leaves its data centers
  5. Engage with its peers to advance smarter energy practices

Furthermore, Google asserts, “Google.org is working towards a clean energy future in a variety of ways: We’re working on developing utility scale renewable energy cheaper than coal (RE<C) and accelerating the commercialization of plug-in vehicles through the RechargeIT project. Our over-arching vision is to one day transform the global economy from one running on fossil fuels to one largely based on clean energy. Our Clean Energy 2030 plan offers a potential path to do just that.”

On Tuesday, it was announced that Google is a lead investor on a five-billion dollar project to use wind power to generate energy on the East Coast of the U.S. according to a study published Oct. 12 by the Global Wind Energy Council and Greenpeace International, wind could meet 12 percent of global power demand by 2020, and up to 22 percent by 2030. Previously, Google had invested in other wind farms.

So while Google surely uses a lot of energy in its businesses, it is working toward efficiencies and is investing in new energy solutions that should benefit others searching for clean power.

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October 17, 2010Permalink Leave a comment

Saving on Energy Bills When Summer Turns Up the Heat

Air conditioner bills can skyrocket in the summertime. Here are some tips to keep that bill low when the heat goes up.

Cheap, Free, and Smart ways to Save on Summer Bills…

1. Updated thermostat. Not only are those outdated, gold colored, push-the-little-plastic-lever-til-it-clicks thermostats ugly, they are not efficient. Programmable electric thermostats allow you to program the thermostat to the degree and are customizable to the hour and day. Make it warmer while everyone is gone at work. Make sure you buy one you can understand and program yourself (or if you’re like me, you just need someone in the house who knows how to use it). Some sources say that these thermostats can save up to 20% of your cooling costs.

2. Keep food in the fridge. A refrigerator doesn’t need as much energy to run if there is more food in it. If you have more than one fridge or freezer that you may not always keep filled, consider consolidating down to just one, at least for the summer.

3. Barbeque. Outdoor grilling saves on energy costs, and helps keep the temperature in your home down. Propane burns much cleaner than charcoal, but it is a fossil fuel. Consider trying veggie alternatives on the barbeque for a lower fat, more eco-conscious choice. Try some new recipes and invite your friends over for dinner, and when they invite you over for dinner you can set your thermostat warmer because you’ll be away from the home. Free food, and less energy used? Double score.

4. Take advantage of things like ceiling fans, heat blocking curtains, and crock pots (instead of stove tops). Run your washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer after the sun has gone down. Even better than the dryer is to line dry your clothing. It makes the clothing smell amazing, it’s free, and it saves big time on energy bills.

5. Here are some last tips that are all free. Make sure the furniture is not blocking the cooling vents. Wear breathable cotton clothing, no shoes in the house, and drink lots of cool drinks to make sure you aren’t tempted to lower the temperature. Keep your lamps away from the thermostat, so it doesn’t think it’s hotter than it really is. Let your hair air dry, take advantage of the community amenities, like swimming pools, and enjoy someone elses air conditioning in shopping malls, libraries, or coffee shops. Sleep with less clothing (naked is always greener), and spend more time on the lower levels of your home if you have more than one story.

So take off your shoes, pour yourself a cool glass of water, and enjoy the summertime savings.

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June 28, 2010Permalink Leave a comment

Green Baseball Stadiums: Play Ball!

Buy me some organic peanuts and gluten-free sustainable cracker jacks.. well, not really

Baseball is both a summertime staple, and the national pastime. Here in Washington DC, the Nationals Park is leading the way in green operations. Where better than the Nation’s capital to appreciate the United States’ first major stadium accredited as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) structure. In fact, it exceeded green certifications and was awarded the Green Building Council’s silver status, according to the Nationals website. How does a building follow LEED specifications? At the Nationals stadium that means a minimum of 10% of the building is recycled materials, much of the materials were also locally supplied, green roofing that deflects heat,  and an intricate ground and storm water filtration system that takes in to account the close proximity to the Anacostia river. Besides just the building construction, the stadium also institutes drought resistant landscaping, water conserving plumbing help reduce water consumption by 30% (that’s 3.6 million gallons a year) and energy conserving light fixtures that save 21% of energy costs and help reduce light pollution. It is conveniently located by a metro stop, and it is quite an experience loading on to the subway with your fellow baseball fans dressed in their Nationals garb. On game days you don’t even need to know which exits to get off, just follow all the fans! The area where the stadium has been built will boost economic growth, and create a positive influence in an area of DC otherwise known for quite the opposite.
Statistics are one thing, but visiting the park is quite another. Ron and I frequent games there (via Metro, of course) and the park is beautiful. Talk to someone who has been to the park, and no matter who they are cheering for, ask them what they think about the stadium. Even when you leave your seats (to go get some yummy vegetarian chili at the Hard Times Cafe, a local business who has an in-park location) you can still see the field from almost anywhere you stand. Don’t think that because this baseball stadium has these green features that it in any way changes that classic feel of a baseball park: it does not. For the average baseball patron who didn’t know the facts, Nationals stadium is everything that makes a ballpark a ballpark: beer, hot dogs, fans, and of course, a great game. Even if your beloved team wins or loses, the environment wins every single game. Play ball!

Visit the Nationals PDF of the green features here http://nationals.mlb.com/was/downloads/was_green_ballpark.pdf

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June 7, 2010Permalink Leave a comment

Thirty-Three Days of Oil

This gulf coast oil fiasco is on its thirty-third day without an end to pumping millions of barrels of oil in to our ocean. As a reminder of the thirty three days that this crisis has not reached a solution, here are thirty-three quick ways to reduce your oil consumption. 

1. carpool
2. recycle
3. eat more vegetarian
4. buy food locally
5. print on both sides of paper
6. buy used
7. recycle used motor oil
8. bicycle
9. dance
10. drive slower
11. farmers markets

12. give your friend an old book

13. walk your dog
14. donate to goodwill
15. paper fans
16. extra sweaters in the winter
17. close vacations
18. less Styrofoam
19. tune your car
20. flip off the lights
21. clean with less chemicals
22. energy efficient appliances
23. have more sex (couldn’t hurt)
24. refillable water bottles
25. conscientious cosmetics
26. less fast food
27. don’t idle your vehicle
28. use up the whole crayon
29. public transit
30. telecommute
31. push mowers
32. avoid over packaging
33. be open to suggestion
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May 23, 2010Permalink Leave a comment

The Greening of the IRS: Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Being green can save some green here in tax season with residential energy credits. Fully explained in IRS Publication 5695, these credits apply to residential improvements that qualify as energy-saving improvements. There are two types of credits. The Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit accounts for improvements for things such as windows and doors as well as equipment such as air and hot water heaters, stoves, and air conditioners; with a maximum credit of $1500 for improvements made in 2009 and 2010. If you really went wild and got into alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, or fuel cells (whatever those are) in 2009 you might qualify for the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, a whopping 30% credit. Now you can’t just qualify for anything — these credits apply to equipment matching certain certifications and energy efficiency ratings.

Also, Electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in 2009 and 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. And of course there is the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit if you bought one of these hybrids.

So save those receipts and get some green back for going green.

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April 14, 2010Permalink Leave a comment

Retailers – On Target with Eco-Improvements?

Today, reports came out that Target Corp. it is putting recycling bins in all of its stores. Reports say the company will collect items such as plastic bags, beverage cans and bottles, mobile phones, and MP3 players. Target expects to be able to sell some of the recyclables and recover the costs of the program.

Also announced today is that BJ’s Wholesale Club, which already had twelve solar installations in six states, is adding four more. Because of their large flat roofs, the big stores are good fits for solar panels. The panels are supposed to provide lower cost power and reduce carbon emissions for BJ’s.Last month, Wal-Mart agreed to install solar panels at a couple planned stores in California desert townsPerris and Yucca Valley as part of a lawsuit settlement. However, Wal-Mart has a stated commitment to solar, according to a report in USA Today. Wal-Mart is also one of several retailers promoting “sustainable toys” — toys made from natural or recycled materials.

All of these steps by retailers are positive. Not only because of their obvious benefits but because consumers watch these companies. They pay attention to Target ads. These companies influence consumers in a big way. So while their programs may be small compared to what they could do, and often required to be break-even or better for the bottom line, these are steps in the right direction that will help plant more seeds of mindful consumption.

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April 6, 2010Permalink Leave a comment