Good morning, all. Zed?

And by the way, we recycle extensively even though we’re out here in the sticks. Newspaper, cardboard, cardstock, plastic, tin, aluminum, metal — all neatly collected in grocery bags and placed out at the street twice a month.

Good morning Christy—what a funny video!

I thought this was a great idea for those with electric hot water heaters. A friend has a timer which turns it on around 5am for morning showers then turns off at 9am. Kicks back on at 5pm and off again at for the night. It’s just her and hubby at home and this is no inconvenience. And a huge money saver.

Good morning from a lurker. My view is that given the level of social inertia and the present CO2 level in the atmosphere it’s too late to do anything but buckle up and enjoy the ride. It’s going to be bumpy.

As I sailor I understand limited resources and managing them.

I don’t use a dishwasher, or anything electric in the kitchen. I shut down the PC at night and only use light were I am in the apartment.

We are terribly wasteful, we hardly even think about it… like running the water as if it is an ending resource.

The less you own, the less you have to expend in energy maintaining these things.

I got an e-mail from a reader last week asking if we could do a PUAC edition of “things we do to reduce our impact on the environment, conserve energy

man, oh man, oh man, you guys really HAVE to read this article

do you remember when we were growing up there was an urban myth about a carburator that would get you 50 miles per gallon?

well there was and there it is in the article

anyone that knows anything about cars and fuel aspiration will get a real kick out of that article because we’ve been taught that the cooler the induction charge the more power.

this SEEMS counter intuitive because you would think you would want the fuel temperature as close to ignition temperature as possible, however with a cooler charge you get a denser charge and thus more fuel per charge, more power….the problem with that principle is the obvious waste of fuel

often opposite principles will work and neither is wrong, one might be better but neither is wrong

that principle of cooling the charge is one of those “opposite principles both work”, there is an oposite principle where heating the charge will get more efficiency and thus more power

supposedly both principles work, what is amazing though is heating the charge not only gets you more horsepower but it also increases fuel efficicency and therefore fuel economy

if te story in that link is true, and I have no reason to believe it’s not true, then it is amazing that engine is not being produced today

Welcome to the lake, gregory! Let’s hear from you often.

I got this suggestion from dailykos – reduce the number of catalogs you receive with one website:
http://www.catalogchoice.org/

You enter your name and address (wouldn’t have done it if kos didn’t promote it), as well as the catalogs you receive, and they contact the companies for you.

According to kos the site was recommended by the NRDC. I’ve started entering catalog names. We’ll see whether the catalogs stop coming. I’ve also forwarded the site, through the site’s e-mail, to friends.

Cut off your junk mail. Deforest your mail box.

Go to: http://www.catalogchoice.org

This service was mentioned in the New York Times last week.

I like to shower with Mrs. L. We use less water and it’s good clean fun.

slainte,
cl

I pee in my bier garten in the back yard. Saves lots of H20.

puppydog @ 12

I pee in my bier garten in the back yard. Saves lots of H20.

that wasn’t nearly as funny as it was when I finally read your name

then I laughed out loud

that’s great!! I didn’t even think of the connection!!!! thanks!!!!!!

puppydog @ 12

I pee in my bier garten in the back yard. Saves lots of H20.

RE: Water —

Pumping water from my well takes electricity (at .17 per kwh – near highest in U.S.). There is no need to do anything indoors requiring water – and the electricity to pump it – that cannot otherwise be done in the woods behind the tool shed.

If it’s okay with everyone, I’m going to continue using the bathroom in my house.

Good morning all.

BIG peace rally in the pouring rain in Philly today. Going in with my rain gear and some of the folks from my church.

Energy . . . . it is ALL REAGAN”S FAULT! I worked in the lighting business back when he got elected. During Carter’s time we were dealing with strict energy use rules and lots was being done in R&D. One of the first things Ronnie did was kill the alternative energy programs. It made me mad then and madder now.

All the lights in our house are mini flourescents except for the ones on dimmers. Programmable thermostats in all zones of the house. I use our smallish microwave/convection oven mostly and save using the big oven for big baking or roasting. I’m finally living close to work—3 miles—so that I no longer have to fill the gas tank once or twice a week. Yeah. So far our energy bills are less than half those of the previous owners of the house. I hope we can do nearly that well through the winter but I doubt it. Time will tell.

Thanks for the links Christy!

You have to be careful with the lowering/raising the heat tricks. It takes more energy to raise the heat of something than it does to keep it warm. Your home has to be well insulated and the sweet spot for seeing energy savings is fairly small.

Good Morning!

I work in a small room which lets me keep the temp pretty cool in the house without discomfort — but if I’m busy out in the living room, I turn on the floor lamp which uses incandescent bulbs. That way I use the heat from the bulbs to warm the room as well as light it. (And I can use up all those incandescent light bulbs I have in the cupboard and still keep the thermostat way down.)

Mary Racine @ 18

You have to be careful with the lowering/raising the heat tricks. It takes more energy to raise the heat of something than it does to keep it warm. Your home has to be well insulated and the sweet spot for seeing energy savings is fairly small.

We put insulation in one of the attics of the house we bought. Couldn’t believe there wasn’t any!!!!! The other is OK. (split level house ergo 2 attics)

About a year ago, I spent $5k having my 100-year-old house tightened and insulated; with heating oil at $2.75/gal here in Maine, by cutting my oil consimption in half, I should be able to recover that $5k in 3 years or less. Plus, 68 degrees feels warmer because the walls are warmer.
$2.75 is twice what oil cost just 3 years ago.

Well, nice tips – very practical, that is if your a human… really, bears are way ahead of you on these things.

Soak it – Just use your paws and put your whole face in your food – who needs dishes.

Turn off when you turn in Very helpful, especially when hibernating.

Open & close Not an issue in a cave.

Hung out to dry Much better to have a think coat of fur and just take an occasional dunk when fishing for salmon.

And in regards to puppydog @ 12

I pee in my bier garten in the back yard. Saves lots of H20.

And bear pee is much more powerful and is released in far greater quantities.

solai @ 16

If it’s okay with everyone, I’m going to continue using the bathroom in my house.

grey water diversion is an idea that is catching on in this part of the world.sink,laundry and bath/shower diverted to flower beds,shrubs and trees.it keeps the moisture levels constant,has a fertilizing effect and saves watering.not hard to do.saves on water bills too.food plants have to be monitored or watered differently due to hygene concerns.
sewage(blackwater heh)is a different kettle of fish.some of the composting toilets are really good,no smell,no chemicals.urban use is not on yet but
for rural and semi rural situations they are a viable no water option.

Just leaving a tv, computer or microwave plugged in to the outlet uses energy – even when the appliance is off. There are meters (Kill A WattEZ) that you can plug in to the outlet, then plug the appliance in to the meter and it will tell you how much electricity that particular appliance is using and calculate the weekly, monthly or yearly operating cost for the plugged in appliance.

Also, here’s a good book on simple things you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

ventstwolf1 @ 24

Just leaving a tv, computer or microwave plugged in to the outlet uses energy – even when the appliance is off. There are meters (Kill A WattEZ) that you can plug in to the outlet, then plug the appliance in to the meter and it will tell you how much electricity that particular appliance is using and calculate the weekly, monthly or yearly operating cost for the plugged in appliance.

Also, here’s a good book on simple things you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

thanks rwolf1!

Hi Christy,

There is much for people to consider doing in the next few months and year. Starting at this government website is a good place to start.

The solar initiative has been extended a year. So individuals can install solar and receive a tax credit of up to $2000 through next December. Check here for the link to the IRS page and other helpful pages regarding Energy Star and tax credits.

Most states and municipalities have their own grant and loan programs where the savings you receive from lower energy comsumption pays for your greener life over time. A high greening your home also qualifies it for and Energy Efficient Mortgage which can be an appealing selling point in today’s market. Additionally, many public utilities will buy energy from consumers producing more than they need for their own home. There is much about all of this out there and MANY experts to bring to the Lake for more guidance. Anyone who has put in any qualifying Energy Star windows, doors, heating, hot water etc only have through this December to make tax claims if I am not mistaken. Check the ES website above for the details.

Elliott @ 25

ventstwolf1 @ 24

Just leaving a tv, computer or microwave plugged in to the outlet uses energy – even when the appliance is off. There are meters (Kill A WattEZ) that you can plug in to the outlet, then plug the appliance in to the meter and it will tell you how much electricity that particular appliance is using and calculate the weekly, monthly or yearly operating cost for the plugged in appliance.

Also, here’s a good book on simple things you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

thanks rwolf1!

I wasn’t venting, honest — twas a typo

I’m pretty lucky on the housing front.

My wife built our house (I helped) and it is extremely well insulated. I sit in my boxers drinking coffee in the kitchen nook next to four 5′ high double hung windows in February when it’s -20F, wind is gusting to 50mph (I live in the mountains) and snow is blowing sideways past me three feet away and I do not feel a draft.

A significant portion of our daytime heat in the winter is passive solar gain from substantial southern window exposure. Last winter, in addition to propane radiant floor heat that is used sparingly as a back up and on the first floor only, we heated our house for the entire winter on only four cords of wood. We live in Vermont 30 miles south of Canadian border.

On a winter day, when the temperature is zero, by doing NOTHING, passive solar gain will heat our house to at least the high fifties during the daytime if there is a hint of sun. That is due to the intentional design of our house – its placement and the use of our windows. Our house is neither large nor expensive and it cost us nothing when building to point our windows to the south for the express purpose of winter heating. We achieve thousands of $$ of free lifetime heating with zero emissions. No need to flick a single switch or light a single match.

slainte,
cl

RevDeb @ 17

Good morning all.

BIG peace rally in the pouring rain in Philly today. Going in with my rain gear and some of the folks from my church.

Energy . . . . it is ALL REAGAN”S FAULT! I worked in the lighting business back when he got elected. During Carter’s time we were dealing with strict energy use rules and lots was being done in R&D. One of the first things Ronnie did was kill the alternative energy programs. It made me mad then and madder now.

All the lights in our house are mini flourescents except for the ones on dimmers. Programmable thermostats in all zones of the house. I use our smallish microwave/convection oven mostly and save using the big oven for big baking or roasting. I’m finally living close to work—3 miles—so that I no longer have to fill the gas tank once or twice a week. Yeah. So far our energy bills are less than half those of the previous owners of the house. I hope we can do nearly that well through the winter but I doubt it. Time will tell.

Thanks for the links Christy!

Im amazed to find a peace event scheduled in Jonesborough TN, right along with all the big cities. We are going and so far it isnt raining.
I like all the suggestion except outdoor peeing, cant quite do that. (g)

Morning everyone — dang it, Deb, I meant to link up the website on that for everyone. Here’s the link for Brave New Films coverage on this. And here’s a direct link to the protest organization website.

I just Googled “KILL A WATT™ EZ” – it seems to be selling for about $60, a sum you could probably recover quickly, especially if you share it with friends.

By the way, I just helped my 75 year old parents green their home and helped them aquire all the tax credits too.

They LOVE it. So think about how to help others besides yourself.

Mary Racine @ 18

You have to be careful with the lowering/raising the heat tricks. It takes more energy to raise the heat of something than it does to keep it warm. Your home has to be well insulated and the sweet spot for seeing energy savings is fairly small.

are you sure about that? it’s counter intuitive – would love some links.

Caoimhin Laochdha @ 28

I’m pretty lucky on the housing front.

My wife built our house (I helped) and it is extremely well insulated. I sit in my boxers drinking coffee in the kitchen nook next to four 5′ high double hung windows in February when it’s -20F, wind is gusting to 50mph (I live in the mountains) and snow is blowing sideways past me three feet away and I do not feel a draft.

A significant portion of our daytime heat in the winter is passive solar gain from substantial southern window exposure. Last winter, in addition to propane radiant floor heat that is used sparingly as a back up and on the first floor only, we heated our house for the entire winter on only four cords of wood. We live in Vermont 30 miles south of Canadian border.

On a winter day, when the temperature is zero, by doing NOTHING, passive solar gain will heat our house to at least the high fifties during the daytime if there is a hint of sun. That is due to the intentional design of our house – its placement and the use of our windows. Our house is neither large nor expensive and it cost us nothing when building to point our windows to the south for the express purpose of winter heating. We achieve thousands of $$ of free lifetime heating with zero emissions. No need to flick a single switch or light a single match.

slainte,
cl

homo sapien twentifirst centurius
bravo! bravo!

Great Video.

Birds are the best pets of all.

KLynn @ 32

By the way, I just helped my 75 year old parents green their home and helped them aquire all the tax credits too.

They LOVE it. So think about how to help others besides yourself.

Well thank you for helping me with all this info, I need a new roof so now’s the perfect time for me to add solar

Elliott @ 36

KLynn @ 32

By the way, I just helped my 75 year old parents green their home and helped them aquire all the tax credits too.

They LOVE it. So think about how to help others besides yourself.

Well thank you for helping me with all this info, I need a new roof so now’s the perfect time for me to add solar

i need a new roof too, but mine points in the wrong direction. :(

One thing that’s sure is that $92 oil will bring on a
whole lot of “alternative” supplies, like tar sands, that are
environmental disasters.

On a completely unrelated note, it seems that Bob Dylan was right about
there being no success like failure:

The Price of Any Departure Will Be at Least $159 Million

Merrill Lynch’s directors may be weighing E. Stanley O’Neal’s future, but one thing is already guaranteed: a payday of at least $159 million if he steps down.

This fall, I’m really trying to make an effort to cook my own food, rather than constantly going out to eat. It boggles my mind how much waste and packaging come from just ordering a single sandwich.

I like to make a big batch of stew/soup in the crockpot, and have food for the week. I refrigerate the stew/soup and microwave it at work for lunch. I don’t know how energy efficient the crockpot and the microwave are, but it’s the best I can think of.

I’m getting ready to head to the anti-war march downtown this afternoon.

Jill & CalGeorge -

I haven’t tried the resource you mention but it can be amazingly hard to do it on your own…which I did. There were several companies that, no matter how many times I called them, persisted in continued mailings. Will give your suggestion a try for those who just won’t give up.

Wrt water usage – (gonna try a short list which may get modded)

1. Saw a recommendation somewhere to limit showers to four minutes; set the timer and tried it. Even with very short hair and no lingering, still couldn’t do it in the time alloted. Solution: get thoroughly wet; turn off the water; do the shampooing, soaping, shaving (turn on water periodically if needed) and then do a finally rinse with water running. Give yourself the luxury of a *real* shower occasionally.

2. Toilet needs – especially for a “single”, there really is no need to flush every time you have to p**….other than aesthetics.

3. During a 10-14 day period several years back, had problems with the septic and had to avoid putting ANY water down the pipes.

You can wash and rinse dishes in two separate pans and then throw the water out the back door on plants that may need it.

There really was a use for the “chamber pots” people once kept under their beds. It ain’t fun but *can* be done in an emergency; keep a pail in the shower for easy use. This is assuming one doesn’t live in an apartment and does have land for disposal of contents. *g*

Hope I didn’t gross anybody out but, faced with the choice of convenience vs. many thousands of dollars in septic replacement, it was a workable plan. P. S. – the septic is still chuggin’ along….please, Dog, one day the town will get the promised sewer installed.

Mornin Christy and pups,
Light rain now in NY but will march today anyway. Any NY area pups going? Would love to meet up if possible.

Oh, Christy, thanks for this. Lots of good information.

We invested in an eco-friendly water heater with off-peak service. Ditto a heat pump/air conditioning system (we have baseboard hot water heat) that cycles off and on during peak times and reduces our need to use the furnace.

Last year, David had a wood-burning stove installed in our downstairs family room. We burn our own downed wood and that of anyone who wants to get rid of theirs.

We are consolidating errands, i.e., once a week to the north area for whatever we need there, once a week to the west, etc. Doesn’t always work out, but we’re more mindful of it.

I finally traded in my wonderful old (1995) accord for a more fuel efficient Civic. Would have preferred a hybrid, but not in the budget right now.

Lights off, water off, power off whenever possible. Still on the learning curve with all of this.

And always, always looking for more new ideas. So again, thanks for this.

I have a question. We often use our wood stove and keep the house temperature low (boiler system). Which is more damaging to the environment, running the heat or burning the wood?

selise @ 37

Elliott @ 36

Well thank you for helping me with all this info, I need a new roof so now’s the perfect time for me to add solar

i need a new roof too, but mine points in the wrong direction. :(

selise, solar is pretty high tech now and even the worst of roof placements can still capture and the panels are so much better now that even somewhat cloudy days can generate some energy. So before you give up, contact a green builder consultant before you rule it out. Check here for resources to link to in your area. I’ll try to post more links for readers to go to to track down contractors, designers and installers in your area.

Waccamaw @ 40

Jill & CalGeorge -

I haven’t tried the resource you mention but it can be amazingly hard to do it on your own…which I did. There were several companies that, no matter how many times I called them, persisted in continued mailings. Will give your suggestion a try for those who just won’t give up.

Wrt water usage – (gonna try a short list which may get modded)

1. Saw a recommendation somewhere to limit showers to four minutes; set the timer and tried it. Even with very short hair and no lingering, still couldn’t do it in the time alloted. Solution: get thoroughly wet; turn off the water; do the shampooing, soaping, shaving (turn on water periodically if needed) and then do a finally rinse with water running. Give yourself the luxury of a *real* shower occasionally.

2. Toilet needs – especially for a “single”, there really is no need to flush every time you have to p**….other than aesthetics.

3. During a 10-14 day period several years back, had problems with the septic and had to avoid putting ANY water down the pipes.

You can wash and rinse dishes in two separate pans and then throw the water out the back door on plants that may need it.

There really was a use for the “chamber pots” people once kept under their beds. It ain’t fun but *can* be done in an emergency; keep a pail in the shower for easy use. This is assuming one doesn’t live in an apartment and does have land for disposal of contents. *g*

Hope I didn’t gross anybody out but, faced with the choice of convenience vs. many thousands of dollars in septic replacement, it was a workable plan. P. S. – the septic is still chuggin’ along….please, Dog, one day the town will get the promised sewer installed.

I have an acquaintance who has relatives in Europe – England, I think. When they visited they were astonished that his family kept the water running during the entire shower.

We drive an old (:-/) Toyoto corolla (36mpg) and we have switched most of our interior house lights to the new energy saving ones (all except the spots which don’t have energy ones yet). These lights both save a bundle of energy and last longerNo one has noticed the difference (honestly). I do worry, however, that if people do not recycle the lights carefully that we may be putting mercury in the air.

Jill @ 43

I have a question. We often use our wood stove and keep the house temperature low (boiler system). Which is more damaging to the environment, running the heat or burning the wood?

I wonder about this, too.

dannyM @ 39

I like to make a big batch of stew/soup in the crockpot, and have food for the week. I refrigerate the stew/soup and microwave it at work for lunch. I don’t know how energy efficient the crockpot and the microwave are, but it’s the best I can think of.

I’m getting ready to head to the anti-war march downtown this afternoon.

when the weather is cool, i put the pot on the front steps for a couple of hours to cool before putting it in the fridge.

p.s. blessings and many thanks to all who are going to anti-war protests today. you represent many more of us who can only be there with you in spirit.

We have 3 acres of land and are continually working to limit the lawn space that was here when we bought the house. 2 acres have reverted back to woodland and the other acre has been shrinking by replacing with garden area (with sustainable plantings). It all means less mowing, and what we do mow, can be done with a handmower. Heres’ a great book for ideas.

I am presently working with some top engineers on a state of the art green roof sustainable design in SoHo. I’ll pass on any interesting finds as they are revealed.

How about wind farms on the roofs of NYC?

Richmond @ 46

We drive an old (:-/) Toyoto corolla (36mpg) and we have switched most of our interior house lights to the new energy saving ones (all except the spots which don’t have energy ones yet). These lights both save a bundle of energy and last longerNo one has noticed the difference (honestly). I do worry, however, that if people do not recycle the lights carefully that we may be putting mercury in the air.

I had a Toyota corolla tercel which rolled over 350,000 miles just before it was totalled in an accident. I could not find a used one in as good shape as mine to buy as a replacement. Oh, what a great car! I miss it SO much! But we have been trying to find a good old Benz running on des. so that we can make our own fuels from vege oil.

Can I just say how much I love commenters here. No matter what the topic is, we always have some experts who can chime in with useful information. You have to love that, don’t you?

My husband and I do everything we can to buy products NOT made in China. We switched to compact flourescents several years ago some of which are just now starting to burn out. We grow a lot of our own food and compost and recycle everything possible. Next spring we will install solar water heating. I constantly lobby for state subsidies and incentives for renewable energy here in WV (Nothing available yet). Check here to see what your state has to offer and let your officials know what is needed. State Database of Renewable Incentives

KLynn @ 44

selise, solar is pretty high tech now and even the worst of roof placements can still capture and the panels are so much better now that even somewhat cloudy days can generate some energy. So before you give up, contact a green builder consultant before you rule it out. Check here for resources to link to in your area. I’ll try to post more links for readers to go to to track down contractors, designers and installers in your area.

thanks, i will check it out before doing anything… but, i’d need it to come close to paying for itself if i’m going to do it. at least i pay the extra 2.4cents/kwh to my electric co for all wind and small hydro. generation.

Our showering technique on our boat is to wet down, soap up, rinse off. We use a hand shower with a temp mixer and and on off valve so we don’t have to remix for temp. We use very little water, and get a refreshing shower.

We don’t do that at home, but I can’t spend a long time in the shower. It’s a waste of time, water and effort.

Elliott @ 36

KLynn @ 32

By the way, I just helped my 75 year old parents green their home and helped them aquire all the tax credits too.

They LOVE it. So think about how to
help others besides yourself.

Well thank you for helping me with all this info, I need a new roof so now’s the perfect time for me to add solar

there are all sorts of things happening in the solar power scene.it is not just silicon anymore.a company called Konarka is one USA producer of solar film that i know of.i’m not sure if they do stuff for houses,you would be able to find out easier than i can.they use a dye that copies photosynthesis.it is much cheaper though a little less efficient than silicon.but works in low light conditions,whereas silicon needs full sun.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 52

Can I just say how much I love commenters here. No matter what the topic is, we always have some experts who can chime in with useful information. You have to love that, don’t you?

Recycling this message and sending the love back at ya Christy. Off to march. Peace pups.

I stopped driving a car 27 years ago. Parts of NYC have the best public transit on Earth. Once a month we take the car service into town for shopping, because it’s more convenient for my wife than taking the bus.

For $2 I can go almost anywhere in the city, and for $5, an express bus gets me from Staten Island to downtown Manhattan in less than 15 minutes because of the HOV lanes.

Go to this site for sustainable products and home improvement products. They are the oldest and the best and extremely helpful.

The car makers are not encouraging consumers to buy their more energy efficient cars. All the incentives are for the high profit humongous gas guzzlers.

They really need a kick in the butt.

Don’t forget to talk to your local utilities – they probably have rebates or ‘incentives’ for energy-efficient appliances and heating/cooling systems. (They don’t want to run out of energy in bad weather, either: helping customers helps them, too.) They may even have a program for solar-assist heating.

Via HuffPost, this overview of pending water problems in the U.S. Pending, as in next five years. That kind of pending.

Con Ed was passing out free energy efficient bulbs in Union Square this past week.

I have a soapstone wood burning stove with a catalytic combuster, which is supposed to burn the smoke also. It has an 80% efficiency rating. Soapstone also holds the heat for much longer than just plain iron.

Jill @ 43

I have a question. We often use our wood stove and keep the house temperature low (boiler system). Which is more damaging to the environment, running the heat or burning the wood?

The whole idea of buying carbon offsets suggests that you can somehow purchase sustainability. Sustainability is a way of living not some petty bookkeeping trick available only to those with disposable income.

Sander) @ 60

They don’t do incentives for stuff that sells well. Incentives are to get people to buy things that aren’t selling. (Figured that one out years ago.)

PJ… so why don’t they change their product menu?

Audi introduced a smaller car, which is now more expensive!

Same with Volvo.

That’s insane!

One thing I have been doing is using cloth bags when shopping, and cutting down the plastic bags. My daughter teaches sustainablilty, and she told me that when they get into the ocean, they look like manta rays, and dolphins and sea turtles eat them and die, because they cannot excrete them.

I also carry a nalgene bottle instead of using bottled water. Cheaper and better for the environment.

One of my favorite inventions is the compressed air car. The designer will be producing them for India and is working on a design that will meet US safety standards. The air compressors are solar powered. So you “fill up” your air tank with air that is compressed by solar powered electric. He is also trying to design an air filter to remove the CO2 from the air. Thus, his car does not just run on the air we breath, the emissions produce cleaner air.

cahuenga at 65 — Offsets are only one piece of the puzzle, frankly. Conservation is the best step, totally agree there. But why not get a benefit in addition to a purchase you were already planning to make? Seems like a win-win idea to me.

bookwoman @ 49

We have 3 acres of land and are continually working to limit the lawn space that was here when we bought the house. 2 acres have reverted back to woodland and the other acre has been shrinking by replacing with garden area (with sustainable plantings). It all means less mowing, and what we do mow, can be done with a handmower. Heres’ a great book for ideas.

Perfect!

The idea of “sodding” every inch one owns and then installing an irrigation system to water it every day is a practice that simply *has* to stop…there seems to some kind of macho mentality of “I’ve got the prettiest grass in the neighborhood”.

If people would just select plant materials appropriate to their geographic soil needs, water usage could be greatly reduced. On the beach property I own several years ago I planted sea oats plus left other native plants (like the lovely gillardia) in the front yard. The oats hold the soil much better in high winds and put down tremendous root systems. It may not look neat but the water bills aren’t breaking the bank. (The property tax bill, yes….but not the water bill). *g*

Dick Cheny thinks you all may be virtuous people.
Now let’s build us some nukes.

We need to get away from consumerism. Much of our pollution is linked to our wasteful consumerism.

We also have the planned obsolescence concept which is meant to keep these companies busy.

In fact capitalism depends on expansion and that in inimical to conservation. and a sound environmental policy.

Houston, we got a problem!

You rememer W telling everyone to shop after 911.

Without shopping america is in the tank.

How bout that? We don’t buy for a month!

Here’s one my dad taught me.

Take a “Navy Shower”.

You run just enough hot water to get good and wet and the bathroom all steamy, lather up your sponge or washcloth or bath scrubby, then shut the water down and lather up all over. Then turn the water back on to rinse.

I find this works well for me because I have a small bathroom that’s located away from exterior walls of the house. Also, you get a really good smell of whatever soap and shampoo you wash with and the products (i.e., moisturizers) get more of a chance to work on your skin and hair because they’re not immediately washed away.

Oh, and that dancing bird has more rhythm than several members of my own immediate family.

Astral Technician @ 58

I stopped driving a car 27 years ago. Parts of NYC have the best public transit on Earth. Once a month we take the car service into town for shopping, because it’s more convenient for my wife than taking the bus.

For $2 I can go almost anywhere in the city, and for $5, an express bus gets me from Staten Island to downtown Manhattan in less than 15 minutes because of the HOV lanes.

you are absolutely right.
i ride a push bike and live in a city where it can be taken on the train.the whole metropolitan area is within easy reach.no license,no fuel,no parking fees,easy maintainance,excercise without thinking about it.it has to be chained to lamp posts when i go into a shop but you can’t have every thing.i have a tray behind the seat for shopping and carry bags on the handle bars.been thinking about a basket on the front.another thing is bike paths are much nicer than traffic.

I don’t like the idea of training animals for human amusement.

allan_in_upstate @ 72

Dick Cheny thinks you all may be virtuous people.
Now let’s build us some nukes.

Oh, Dog! I thought he was off huntin’ or sleepin’ this weekend. Froomkin made some mention of (forget exactly the term he used but it wasn’t positive) comments on one of the prog. sites wrt his latest nap time. I personally found every one of them to be a total hoot! ;-)

SanderO @ 78

I don’t like the idea of training animals for human amusement.

cats have been training us for yonks.

I don’t like that either. If you care about animals, you don’t turn them into something for YOUR amusement.

You can enjoy them, sure.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 70

cahuenga at 65 — Offsets are only one piece of the puzzle, frankly. Conservation is the best step, totally agree there. But why not get a benefit in addition to a purchase you were already planning to make? Seems like a win-win idea to me.

It bothers me that offsets are often placed on top of obscene levels of conspicuous consumerism in order to create a sense of equilibrium. I read about it every day.

IMHO the most dangerous aspect of the human psyche is its ability to rationalize.

Good Morning,

I have only recently heard about this organization

I was appalled a couple of weeks ago after reading this story , and have made a promise to myself to be more aware of where I spend my money.

We do all we can here by purchasing locally produced goods as much as possible, and using products without petrochemicals. We also think twice before we use our cars, have switched mostly to compact fluorescents, keep the thermostats turned down to 58, and just try to be aware of our use of energy.

My eleven year old daughter is planning on a career as a green architect. This is a huge issue to our kids, and they have internalized the idea that they can and will make a difference.

I don’t get Al Gore’s notion that he can have a greater impact on climate change continuing his PR campaign rather than as president. How much more of an impact could he have on global energy policy than as president of the US, backed by a Democratic Congress. I just don’t get.

Good Morning, all. This is a subject close to my heart. While I’m not a religious person I do think we have a moral obligation to pass on the world in a better state than which we found it. My big thing is the bicycle. I bike the 18-mile round trip to my office every day (except when it snows), and I also use for errands; I have panniers and I’m looking at trailers. Most of the lightbulbs in our house are low-power, we use a programmable thermostat (a total no-brainer), we recycle more than half of our trash via Denver’s excellent city program. This year was our first try at growing our own food, and I’m planning on expanding that next year.

Nothing is ever enough, though.

Ed Begley, Jr. would be a great guest to have at the Lake to address sustainable lifestyle and making a smaller carbon footprint. Check out his website for more information on sustainability.

SanderO @ 67

PJ… so why don’t they change their product menu?

Audi introduced a smaller car, which is now more expensive!

Same with Volvo.

That’s insane!

Disgusting. And the worst is Toyota, the new Corollas and Camrys are way up on gas milage to say nothing of the Tundra. It seems they are all trying to get their weights up and fuel efficiency down so that if Congress does something they will be able to do it without really changing much of anything. And what is it with Americans (and Ads) that pushes them to buy cars that are advertised to go 95 MPH around a curve or drive out onto ice flues & prcarious mtn peaks (which in itself would ruin the environment).

I often work at home in the summer, and have gotten to the point where I almost never use air-conditioning. This is partly a matter of preference–I love having the house open, hate shutting all the windows–and partly because increasingly it seems unethical to cool a house for only one person (especially since I can work in an office if I want to, one that’s cool every day). By using fans and shutters (and keeping hand towels nearby on the very sweaty days), I manage fine. I like really feeling the changes in the weather.

Whole-house exhaust fans are hard to find (at least without the internet, they would be), but placed in the right window and set on exhaust at sundown (with windows closed in unused rooms), they can cool a house to a temp comfortable for sleeping better, in some cases, than A/C.

I think Gore is now too radical for the fascism we live with today.

He would roll back a lot and they might take some extraordinary measures to make sure he doesn’t get the chance to do that. Personally, I think he has received veiled threats and so he’s going to try to influence things outside the power structure.

Hillary and the rest are pretty much players and can easily be bought because they are clearly power lusters. Same as W… he a puppet who gets to pretend he has all sorts of power. He’s a manchurian. He don’t know it.

If E85 flex fuel is available in your area, you can convert your gas vehicle with a converter and do a little good in the short term.

SanderO @ 78

I don’t like the idea of training animals for human amusement.

SanderO, my son took care of a rescued cockatiel for a while. She was not trained, but she liked to dance and sing. My son left the radio on for her amusement during the day, and I saw her dancing several times, when she wasn’t aware of me. She especially loved swinging her swing in rhythm with the music. I think this is something they do on their own.

SanderO @ 78

I don’t like the idea of training animals for human amusement.

Having been trained by several Labrador retrievers and a GSP to give them amusement, my perspective is that the pleasure/reward vs. cost/effort calculus was never all that onerous on my part. Besides, it made them happy.

While my experiences have been benign, and even salubrious, I do not confuse them with, for instance, assaulting dolphins or holding elephants in captivity which is grossly cruel. Animal training or even what constitutes “amusement” are not topics capable of worthy of generalizations.

Enough from me folks, time to go amuse my kids. Have a close to carbon neutral and fun day fellow travelers.

slainte,
cl

Lindy, if they dance on their own… fine and dandy. Doesn’t change the sentiment of my comment.

‘mornin’, pups…

We just spent about $15k to install a tankless water heater and the highest SEER rated HVAC system we could buy. They cut our household gas & electric consumption in half immediately. It’ll be a lot of years before we turn a positive ROI on these units, but it was the right thing to do nonetheless.

If I could buy a grey water system here I’d do that as well, but, irritatingly, the Water District is not pushing those (’cause of Nevada water politics — they’d rather have it go back down the drain and into Lake Mead, so they get “credit” for it).

cahuenga @ 65

The whole idea of buying carbon offsets suggests that you can somehow purchase sustainability. Sustainability is a way of living not some petty bookkeeping trick available only to those with disposable income.

well, since it is unlikely that any of us are actually living sustainability, what’s wrong with trying to both live in a less unsustainable manner and trying to lighten the load of what we can’t forgo?

Joining late so if anyone has mentioned this, sorry to be redundant. I do consulting for biodiesel production start-ups and in researching the market, I discovered the common-rail diesel engine, which was introduced in Europe in 1996.

At that time, only 22% of new cars purchased in Europe were diesel, and now over 50% are diesel. The common-rail diesel engine is much cleaner than the old diesel engines and because the fuel is delivered to all cylinders at once, it has more ‘get up and go’ than the old kind.

So, they are more efficient than the gasoline engine, and if you want to add alternative fuel you can use biodiesel rather than ethanol. Biodiesel is much more efficiently produced (the amount of energy you get for the energy expended in producing the products that go into it) and can be produced using multiple feedstocks, some of it waste oil and byproducts. Oil made from algae is the future dream feedstock for biodiesel….you can get 250 times as much algae oil from an acre than soybeans. That’s probably 5 or more years away and I’d certainly like to see that technology move faster so we aren’t converting so much farmland that used to grow food to crops for energy.

I drive an old vehicle, but when I have to get a new one, I hope the common-rail diesel engine is in affordable models so I can buy one.

In theory, they should be less expensive than gas/electric hybrids, so more affordable up front. Right now, only a few models are offered in the U.S., but hopefully (and if people start demanding them) more will be in the future. As I recall you could get 2006 VW Beetles with these engins, but not in 2007; I’ve heard they may reintroduce them next year. I have been seeing Mercedes commercials for their model with this engine and am pleased that they are actually talking about the engine….until a few months ago, I had never heard of it.

Richmond @ 6:56 -

I’m very much with you on the need to improve fuel efficiency dramatically but some small part of the reduction you’ve noted may very well to due to the fact that the industry changed the way efficiency is measured and advertised this fall (supposedly making it more accurate).

That being said, my nine year-old car gets equal or better mileage (that’s been tested in real time) than similar sized new autos; keep holding my breath that it will last a few more months/years.

We have whole tv-dvd-tape connection on a power strip that we activate only when watching/taping. warning, only draw back: if you rely on the your on screen tv schedule, it will take a good 15 minutes to populate

can be done for microwave, if not built in.

Every appliance that has a remote and a led is pulling energy as it sits there. one of the techno writers at NYT did an article this in 2007 or late 2006. laptops can be left on, unlike desktops, they do not use enormous amts. of electricity.

He had other tips and gadgets, and estimated he saved c. 120.00 in electricity per annum.

I’ll see if I can find the article.

cahuenga @ 82

Christy Hardin Smith @ 70

cahuenga at 65 — Offsets are only one piece of the puzzle, frankly. Conservation is the best step, totally agree there. But why not get a benefit in addition to a purchase you were already planning to make? Seems like a win-win idea to me.

It bothers me that offsets are often placed on top of obscene levels of conspicuous consumerism in order to create a sense of equilibrium. I read about it every day.

IMHO the most dangerous aspect of the human psyche is its ability to rationalize.

i submit that the problem is “obscene levels of conspicuous consumerism” and not the purchase of offsets.

We were interested in solar panels when we were putting a new metal roof on(approx.40-50 year wear instead of 15-20 of a regular roof).
We decided not to get the panels but the gentleman gave us great tips on saving energy.

We have done lots of his suggestions and done more on our own.
We have replaced older appliances with energy star ones, replaced windows when money allowed.
I make efficient curtains for the other windows
warm linings material,It really helps!
We keep our house at 60-65 and wear sweaters and slippers.
Clothes are washed(front loader) in cold water unless a good reason not too! Dishwasher is filled before using and stopped before heat dried.
I dry my clothes on wooden racks and a line in the basement after partially drying in dryer.
Outside in summer!
We collect water in rain barrels for watering plants and garden during the summer.
We compost food, grass clippings and leaves for better soil to grow the vegetables we eat and the flowers that fill us with wonder and delight!!!!
I try and make my foods from scratch so I have less cardboard,plastic and garbage in general.
I go everywhere with my LL Bean bags so I can carry my own stuff!
I NEVER buy anything unless it is on sale and try never to buy anything unless we can pay for it instead on using credit. I always pay more on my credit card and mortgage/month even if it a dollar!
We did buy a Toyota Prius. Gas here is 3.10/gallon now. We get between 44-52 MPG.

I never stop thinking of ways to reduce and conserve. I want to be able to live comfortably but feel an obligation to future generations to leave them a plant worth living on!

Waccamaw @ 96

Richmond @ 6:56 -

I’m very much with you on the need to improve fuel efficiency dramatically but some small part of the reduction you’ve noted may very well to due to the fact that the industry changed the way efficiency is measured and advertised this fall (supposedly making it more accurate).

That being said, my nine year-old car gets equal or better mileage (that’s been tested in real time) than similar sized new autos; keep holding my breath that it will last a few more months/years.

You may be right, but I also think that at least the Camry was “souped”(?) up to meet the needs of what Toyota assumed Americans now wanted (and they made safety factors secondary (you had to pay extra for side airbags).

I agree with selise much more than I don’t. hahaha

Good morning all.

We save energy by living in a small apartment and having the kids walk most places. Laptop uses much less electricity than desktop machine.

Lights on only in the rooms that we are in. CFB’s instead of regular lightbulbs. First floor apt lets the other apts insulate us.

Emma @ 95

I do consulting for biodiesel production start-ups and in researching the market, I discovered the common-rail diesel engine, which was introduced in Europe in 1996.

This intrigues me. There is a well known restaurateur in Denver who runs her car on the by-products of her kitchen.

Christy, thanks for the dancing bird. Didn’t know how much I needed to laugh. Cheers!

Diane @ 99

We were interested in solar panels when we were putting a new metal roof on(approx.40-50 year wear instead of 15-20 of a regular roof).
We decided not to get the panels but the gentleman gave us great tips on saving energy.

i was looking at metal roofs… but i’ve never had one. how do you like yours? any advice or suggestions?

SanderO @ 101 –

maybe i’ll just have to work at being more disagreeable *g*
(don’t freak ‘pups, i’m only joking!)

unplug transformers, like your cell phone charger or your laptop power. they draw power when the device you use is off or detached.

Morning everyone. Christy, love that bird, and I think I saw birds in the cages behind rocking out too.

SanderO, spending time on a boat will certainly make you more aware of waste – particularly of water. Nothing like having a certain amount of provisions and no quick way to restock to make you conscious of how much you use.

Caoimhin,

We live in Vermont 30 miles south of Canadian border.

I’m about 30 miles south of you. Your house sounds great. Too bad Jimmy Carter’s ideas about conservation were discounted – we’d be seeing many more houses like yours.

And Selise, be careful cooling soups and stews outside. It sounds energy friendly, but particularly with meat based food, cooling quickly is key for avoiding food poisoning.

My country’s leaders are channeling the voice of Stalin and there is a cockatoo who is a better dancer than I will ever be. Now, remind me why I woke up this morning?

My positive is that we should have our roof covered in solar panels in sunny NC in the next month.

Christy, have you and Jane considered having an environmental/conservation writer do a weekly post on environmental news?

Solar-Powered Light-Up Pathways

From Treehugger, take a look at Solar Cynergy*. They make bricks embedded with LEDs for use in paths. The LEDs charge as they’re lying in the sun all day, and then glow all night, providing well-lit walkways at little cost to our planet. There are models appropriate for use in your backyard, and industrial models appropriate for sidewalks and parking lots. Allegedly, they work for some twenty-five years.

lights

Very cool.

* Why the wonky spelling??

Mary Racine @ 18

You have to be careful with the lowering/raising the heat tricks. It takes more energy to raise the heat of something than it does to keep it warm. Your home has to be well insulated and the sweet spot for seeing energy savings is fairly small.

This is a common misunderstanding. When you turn down the heat your home cools down and then the heat will be leaking out more slowly. Think of the heat leaving your house, because over a month that is the same as the heat put out by your furnace.

I think one of the best things we could do is put up a conservation info website that was easy to find so people are informed about the best ways to conserve. The website should be advertised on TV. This should be done by the government.

But there’s no doubt that you save energy when you turn down the heat or turn up the air conditioning when you to to work.

Richmond -

I am definitely not a car expert but have no doubt certain models are “souped” depending on the year and target market.

And don’t get me started on hummers; I tend to froth at the mouth (a lot!) whenever I see one of those *&%#@^&**^%$$. Safety factors, my foot…..nothing but more and bigger macho. ;-(

We try to buy locally grown food, esp. at the farmers’ market, as well as locally made art & craft objects as gifts, instead of imported objects from the shopping mall. I’m very conscientious about errand-linking. I do a fair amount of air-drying of clothes, though could do more. We turn off the heat & a/c at night, always; we use ceiling and standing fans to minimize our a/c usage. We go to the non-toxic dry-cleaner for our minimal dry-cleaning. We’ve been using cloth grocery bags for years—I estimate we have saved over 2,000 plastic bags. We’re off to buy a new bed today, and planning to start at the place that sells locally made mattresses. Power strips in the kitchen, to turn off vampires like the coffee pot & toaster; quick sleep-timer on the computers. We use a dishpan and bucket to re-use the water from washing veggies & dishes in the garden–about 60 gallons a week, I think. Re-use kitchen plastic, aluminum foil, etc. Low-flow shower heads. Strategic flushing, but we also need to put bricks in the toilet tank. Soon: front-loading washer/dryer combo; tankless water heater. At some point, solar panels.

Waccamaw @ 112

Richmond -

I am definitely not a car expert but have no doubt certain models are “souped” depending on the year and target market.

And don’t get me started on hummers; I tend to froth at the mouth (a lot!) whenever I see one of those *&%#@^&**^%$$. Safety factors, my foot…..nothing but more and bigger macho. ;-(

FUH2.com

something i’ve wondered… do you-all know of anyone who’s estimated a consumption allowance per person on the planet?

for example, if we were to limit co2 to 450 ppm (yes, i know that’s no longer looking very likely)… how much carbon pollution could we produce and still not go over that limit? and about how much total consumption per person would that be?

i guess what i’m trying to get to is an objective measure for “obscene consumption.” certainly if each of us pollute at a level that, if duplicated by every human on the planet, would destroy planetary ecosystems…. that ought to qualify as obscene consumption.

sorta like if going to a thanksgiving dinner with 12 people and taking half the food… i think it would help our culture if we understood what it means to not take more than our share.

As one travels through Australia, huge flocks of cockatoos can be heard screeching in unison. From what I’m told, it is absolutely deafening. Maybe the American public should take a few lessons from ‘Nature’.

carolyn urban @ 107

And Selise, be careful cooling soups and stews outside. It sounds energy friendly, but particularly with meat based food, cooling quickly is key for avoiding food poisoning.

i only do it when it’s colder outside than in my fridge. but thanks for pointing that out… should have included it in my comment!

I’m working with a local environmental group to preserve land and educate people about storm run off, what watersheds are, and the effect of daily life on water quality.

What we do has an direct impact of global warming, yet it’s not right up there with carbon footprints and other things that people can do. It’s a challenge to bring attention to this.

To meet this challenge, I’m taking the concept of reducing carbon footprint of consumables, and creating a local economic force to be dealt with.

I’m working on setting up a business network through this group with local business’ that have a vested interest in preserving land, and the quality of water. It’s a way to build a solid relationship with business’ by giving something back to them for their support. It will demonstrate the economic value of what preserved land produces in local products and services, and provides a tangible argument against the developers.

twolf1 @ 114

Waccamaw @ 112

Richmond -

I am definitely not a car expert but have no doubt certain models are “souped” depending on the year and target market.

And don’t get me started on hummers; I tend to froth at the mouth (a lot!) whenever I see one of those *&%#@^&**^%$$. Safety factors, my foot…..nothing but more and bigger macho. ;-(

FUH2.com

I like the poster they made

Good morning from L.A. Peace march in downtown @ noon today. Starts @ Olympic & Broadway. I’ve got six people coming with so far…

Energy conservation was in evidence last night when friends & I assembled in parking structure 5 @ UCLA, meeting there to see “King Lear.” Four Priuses ( Priusi?) rolled in from our various places of work.

Magnificent, moving Lear from Sir Ian McKellen & the Royal Shakespeare Company. Lear’s themes of usurpation of power & power’s corrupting effects, culminating in madness & a cascade of tragic consequences more timely now than ever.

What’s your water footprint?

The water footprint of a person, company or nation is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the commodities, goods and services consumed by the person, company or nation.
The idea of the water footprint is quite similar to the ecological footprint, but focussing on the use of water.

Diane, excellent list of things that you are doing – good on you!

Selise, re: metal roofs. I live in a farmhouse with a tin roof and I would never want another kind again. The first night you fall asleep with rain against the roof you’ll know what I mean. Magical.

Inmymind’seye:

My eleven year old daughter is planning on a career as a green architect. This is a huge issue to our kids, and they have internalized the idea that they can and will make a difference.

Excellent. It’s so encouraging to see the next generation taking this seriously and applying their considerable talents to this fiasco we have created (disclosure: my stepdaughter is a grad student at Tufts persuing a degree in sustainable urban planning). It amazes me that we have waited so long as a culture to really gear up to confront this enormous global problem. And I agree with those above who say that the biggest problem is our rampant consumerism. It’s obscene.

I don’t get the water conservation stuff, though. If you’re living over an aquifer that’s overburdened, well, all you can do is move, and hope other people do too. But water is not like fossil fuels; it doesn’t go away after you use it. It evaporates and comes back again. But if you’re gonna live in the desert–southern california or Vegas–then any conservation practices are swamped by your decision to live somewhere unsustainable.

We did, when I was a kid, sometimes have to practice water conservation because our surface well depended on rainfall–even though we lived not 15 miles from the “town water” lake reservoir. Here on the NE coast, there’s generally no reason to worry about conserving water.

Firepups,

Am at my elderly mother’s and am in the midst of “tightening” up her house for the winter etc. Have a question. Am investigating having a tankless natural gas water heater installed for her. A friend of hers whose family owns a plumbing business tried to talk me out of that. Pros and cons?

As always, thanks for your help and the sheer joy of the connection with erudite, empathetic people.

chun yang -

Been meaning to ask you (if you don’t mind saying), what part of the mts.?

Got any interest in a fire pup meet-up in Aville sometime early winter…before the snow flies?

Congrats on the solar panel plan!

twolf -

It needs to be said: I think I love you. *g* There was a story and pix on-line?tv in the last six months or so about some guy who finally bought his hummer…..and had it trashed by the neighbors. Not advocating destruction of property or anything like that but sometimes karma *is* a witch.

TexBetsy @ 110

Solar-Powered Light-Up Pathways

From Treehugger, take a look at Solar Cynergy*. They make bricks embedded with LEDs for use in paths. The LEDs charge as they’re lying in the sun all day, and then glow all night, providing well-lit walkways at little cost to our planet. There are models appropriate for use in your backyard, and industrial models appropriate for sidewalks and parking lots. Allegedly, they work for some twenty-five years.

lights

Very cool.

* Why the wonky spelling??

I have those too! (also I have them around the patio in back). I got them at Target last Feb. for a good price. I also turned our lawn into a sustainable garden. I water it maybe twice a year, but I have lots of shade, and make sure to put lots of mulch down.

I wish I had thought about a solar power unit fo the roof. We just did our roof last summer and have a big section facing SW. Grrr

Um… I tried switching to cloth grocery bags, but acutely missed having the plastic bags saved for garbage use. All my garbage and trash bags in the house and garage are sized small to be able to re-use the grocery bags, and I considered that recycling of a sort. (Actually I use plastic plant pots which are cheaper and cuter than real trash cans.) But after reading this I’m concerned that re-using the grocer bags for garbage may be harmful. What’s a clean freak to do?

Inventors please: What I really hate is the amount of plastic boxes that come in and go out of the house with greens, rasberries, strawberries etc that come from Whole Foods. Certainly there should be something that is better.

twolf1 @ 121

What’s your water footprint?

The water footprint of a person, company or nation is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the commodities, goods and services consumed by the person, company or nation.
The idea of the water footprint is quite similar to the ecological footprint, but focussing on the use of water.

Thanks twolf1!

The group I work with will be very interested in this, and will help me with the materials I’m working on for them.

selise @ 115

something i’ve wondered… do you-all know of anyone who’s estimated a consumption allowance per person on the planet?

for example, if we were to limit co2 to 450 ppm (yes, i know that’s no longer looking very likely)… how much carbon pollution could we produce and still not go over that limit? and about how much total consumption per person would that be?

i guess what i’m trying to get to is an objective measure for “obscene consumption.” certainly if each of us pollute at a level that, if duplicated by every human on the planet, would destroy planetary ecosystems…. that ought to qualify as obscene consumption.

sorta like if going to a thanksgiving dinner with 12 people and taking half the food… i think it would help our culture if we understood what it means to not take more than our share.

I think the short answer to that is simple enough, and also unthinkable. When we burn fossil fuels we are desquestering carbon that’s been stored up over literally tens of millions of years–using plants that pulled carbon out of the air and never gave it back.

Burning ANY fossil fuel is shifting the CO2 balance in a way that, if sustained, will be sustained at a higher level. What’s scary–what actually persuaded me that this was a huge problem, about ten years ago, is that human use represents only about 4 percent of CO2 output.

But WITHOUT human output, intake and output are in balance. This is what a Gaeist like me would expect. It’s not possible for a sustainable world ecosystem to have a net postive or negative balance of any atmospheric gas for any extended period of time (200 years is not an extended period of time). So something’s gotta happen to get the system back into balance-fewer animals, more efficient plant transpiration, something. In the past, great die-offs have resulted from sudden imbalances such as the one we’re experiencing now. (See Richard Leakey’s The Sixth Extinction.

But all the picayune stuff in this thread doesn’t matter in a context where people are burning literally tens of millions of years of stored carbon–and whether it takes place over 200 years or 300 years really isn’t all that material.

Global warming a piffle by comparison
from Millard Fillmore’s Bathtub by Ed Darrell

Here’s the word from Bob Parks’ great e-letter, “What’s New,”October 26, 2007 edition; I’ve highlighted some stuff:

2. ENVIRONMENT: MAJOR U.N. REPORT SAYS IT’S “UNSUSTAINABLE.” According to a story in the New York Times this morning, a report issued by the United Nations yesterday in Paris is so frightening that French President Nicolas Sarkozy immediately put $1.4 billion into new energy sources and biodiversity. Unsustainable consumption of resources and population growth is taking Earth beyond the point of no return. As an example, the report says, two and a half times as many fish are being caught as the oceans can produce in a sustainable manner. No word yet from Washington on the U.S. response. No steps taken to protect the environment will help in the long run if population continues to grow.

Denialists will start whining in just a few seconds. Three . . . two . . . one . . .

This isn’t an environmental gripe, more an economic gripe. I hate cars. Hate spending oodles to purchase/lease them. Hate spending money on gas. Hate paying for the insurance, the upkeep, the fixes. Hate it. Oodles of cash for something that will be worthless in no time. If I lived in a city, I would never own a car. If the rural area I live in had decent mass transportation, that would be my choice.

Richmond @ 129

Inventors please: What I really hate is the amount of plastic boxes that come in and go out of the house with greens, rasberries, strawberries etc that come from Whole Foods. Certainly there should be something that is better.

When you are done with those, donate them to a kindergarten or elementary teacher. Many many uses for them. My middle school kids used them for visual representations of volume. I’ve also seen them made into easter baskets and various kinds of mother’s day gifts.

Jane (nyc) @ 124

Firepups,

Am at my elderly mother’s and am in the midst of “tightening” up her house for the winter etc. Have a question. Am investigating having a tankless natural gas water heater installed for her. A friend of hers whose family owns a plumbing business tried to talk me out of that. Pros and cons?

As always, thanks for your help and the sheer joy of the connection with erudite, empathetic people.

We went tankless. Cut our gas bill by 60%

They’re expensive, though. But, we did get an energy tax credit.

Toolpusherswife @ 128

Um… I tried switching to cloth grocery bags, but acutely missed having the plastic bags saved for garbage use. All my garbage and trash bags in the house and garage are sized small to be able to re-use the grocery bags, and I considered that recycling of a sort. (Actually I use plastic plant pots which are cheaper and cuter than real trash cans.) But after reading this I’m concerned that re-using the grocer bags for garbage may be harmful. What’s a clean freak to do?

Ah, it’s true that living in NYC I have a low carbon footprint–no car for starters, and a small number of housing sq ft per person–but the dog represents a substantial reuse of plastic grocery bags.

We even have a special plastic bag resuse container–stuff in the top, pop out from the side like a tissue box.

One for Redd:

Wear a sweater in the house, and when you’re snooping around your tenant’s premises while avoiding your demanding spouse.

;>)

chun yang @ 108

My country’s leaders are channeling the voice of Stalin and there is a cockatoo who is a better dancer than I will ever be. Now, remind me why I woke up this morning?

My positive is that we should have our roof covered in solar panels in sunny NC in the

next month.

where in NC?

Has anyone posted this website yet this morning?
GREEN OPTIONS

TexBetsy @ 132

Global warming a piffle by comparison
from Millard Fillmore’s Bathtub by Ed Darrell

Here’s the word from Bob Parks’ great e-letter, “What’s New,”October 26, 2007 edition; I’ve highlighted some stuff:

2. ENVIRONMENT: MAJOR U.N. REPORT SAYS IT’S “UNSUSTAINABLE.” According to a story in the New York Times this morning, a report issued by the United Nations yesterday in Paris is so frightening that French President Nicolas Sarkozy immediately put $1.4 billion into new energy sources and biodiversity. Unsustainable consumption of resources and population growth is taking Earth beyond the point of no return. As an example, the report says, two and a half times as many fish are being caught as the oceans can produce in a sustainable manner. No word yet from Washington on the U.S. response. No steps taken to protect the environment will help in the long run if population continues to grow.

Denialists will start whining in just a few seconds. Three . . . two . . . one . . .

Without concerted and comprehensive change effort, by 2050 we will be consuming 2x the planet’s carrying capacity (we’re now at about 130%).

Read the book “Collapse.”

We are sleepwalking into decimation.

Richmond -

Are you pleased with the way the bricks work? It would seem the more you have, the greater the light output. I haven’t been impressed with the output of outdoor solar lights. I know the idea isn’t “street light” bright but do they produce enough to avoid killing yourself when walking the path after dark?

TexBetsy -

Thanks for mentioning these things; will try to take a look at them locally.

No word yet from Washington on the U.S. response. [to UN report]

I think we already have; someone had a linky back upthread somewhere to a speech cheney made recently. :-(

Probably already covered upthread, but did anyone see this week’s NOVA (PBS) about solar energy? My state (Cali) is in the group that will pay half the cost for solar panel installation on our home.
Food for thought, as our old Craftsman place needs re-roofing very soon, probably this coming spring.

PeteCO @ 103

Emma @ 95

I do consulting for biodiesel production start-ups and in researching the market, I discovered the common-rail diesel engine, which was introduced in Europe in 1996.

This intrigues me. There is a well known restaurateur in Denver who runs her car on the by-products of her kitchen.

There is a food production company which runs it’s truck fleet on the by-product oil from food production converted to bio diesel and supplements with the algea oil by-product from a pond on their property.

SanderO @ 74

You rememer W telling everyone to shop after 911.

Without shopping america is in the tank.

How bout that? We don’t buy for a month!

How about rethinking Christmas? This Christmas, instead of commercial/department store gifts, I’ve been buying “service oriented” gift certificates. Massages, theatre tickets, plays, restaurants, museum memberships, itunes, etc. I really enjoy these gifts over the year rather than merchandise overload on one day. Luckily, my kids are in their twenties and expectations are no longer instant gratification from Mom and Dad at holidays.

I ride a bike,gave up meat, and pretty much go to bed and rise according to sun.

One or two things:

Re toilet flushing:
“If it’s yellow, let it mellow.
If it’s brown, flush it down”

for burnt-on pans:

Put half a dryer sheet or a teaspoon of fabric softener in hot water and let soak for a couple of hurs. Works like a charm.

Also a little Bush humor:

http://ablk.com/c.html

Seeya later.
zen

RockPaperScizzors @ 144

SanderO @ 74

You rememer W telling everyone to shop after 911.

Without shopping america is in the tank.

How bout that? We don’t buy for a month!

How about rethinking Christmas? This Christmas, instead of commercial/department store gifts, I’ve been buying “service oriented” gift certificates. Massages, theatre tickets, plays, restaurants, museum memberships, itunes, etc. I really enjoy these gifts over the year rather than merchandise overload on one day. Luckily, my kids are in their twenties and expectations are no longer instant gratification from Mom and Dad at holidays.

We buy very little, both at holiday times and in general. Just not a lot of extra cash. Biggest expense this school year (besides the upkeep of a 2000 Saturn station wagon) has been clothing for TexTeen, who is now 5′7″ and wants clothes that are a real brand and not the no-name brands. But we don’t buy a lot of “stuff”.

Christy, thanks for the dancing cockatiel. Me and the Abys got a good laugh out of it. I’m already doing most things I can the the New American Dream suggests. But I’m not giving up shrimp, sorry.

TexBetsy @ 134

Richmond @ 129

Inventors please: What I really hate is the amount of plastic boxes that come in and go out of the house with greens, rasberries, strawberries etc that come from Whole Foods. Certainly there should be something that is better.

When you are done with those, donate them to a kindergarten or elementary teacher. Many many uses for them. My middle school kids used them for visual representations of volume. I’ve also seen them made into easter baskets and various kinds of mother’s day gifts.

Even better, don’t buy stuff that comes packaged in plastic. Find a store that sells them in cardboard which can be recycled, and only buy your produce there. Ditto for lettuce in cellophane etc.

Toolpusherswife, I reuse those plastic bags too, but now I do use canvas bags for groceries with the occasional plastic for certain items. With the occasional plastic bag in the house, I have them to use, but I use them much more sparingly.

Don’t forget to turn off your car instead of letting it idle. No, it doesn’t take more gas to turn it back on and it’s not bad for your engine. Anything more than 10 seconds, you’ll save a lot of gas by turning it off.

RockPaperScizzors @ 144

SanderO @ 74

You rememer W telling everyone to shop after 911.

Without shopping america is in the tank.

How bout that? We don’t buy for a month!

How about rethinking Christmas? This Christmas, instead of commercial/department store gifts, I’ve been buying “service oriented” gift certificates. Massages, theatre tickets, plays, restaurants, museum memberships, itunes, etc. I really enjoy these gifts over the year rather than merchandise overload on one day. Luckily, my kids are in their twenties and expectations are no longer instant gratification from Mom and Dad at holidays.

this holiday season — a season of sacrifice –drive less etc. It should be a Democratic Party program.

jayackroyd @ 131

I think the short answer to that is simple enough, and also unthinkable.

yes.

that’s why i specified at 450ppm – w/o humans it was, i think, about 280 (lower during the ice ages).

maybe 450ppm is too high a target…

or maybe a better question would have been…. how can i translate my level of consumption (if duplicated by every human) to a peak atmospheric co2 level.

i’m trying to find a way to translate the way each of us lives with a specific planetary picture.

BobbyG @ 135

Jane (nyc) @ 124

Firepups,

Am at my elderly mother’s and am in the midst of “tightening” up her house for the winter etc. Have a question. Am investigating having a tankless natural gas water heater installed for her. A friend of hers whose family owns a plumbing business tried to talk me out of that. Pros and cons?

As always, thanks for your help and the sheer joy of the connection with erudite, empathetic people.

We went tankless. Cut our gas bill by 60%

They’re expensive, though. But, we did get an energy tax credit.

Make sure water lines are insulated. Make sure gas line has the right delivery or there may be a costly update. Bosch makes one of the better rated units. Go for it.

Gotta go run errands; lots of good ideas to follow up on! And a special thank-you to the reader who made the post topic suggestion. {{{Christy}}} for all you do!

Will check back later for additions.

RockPaperScizzors @ 144

SanderO @ 74

You rememer W telling everyone to shop after 911.

Without shopping america is in the tank.

How bout that? We don’t buy for a month!

How about rethinking Christmas? This Christmas, instead of commercial/department store gifts, I’ve been buying “service oriented” gift certificates. Massages, theatre tickets, plays, restaurants, museum memberships, itunes, etc. I really enjoy these gifts over the year rather than merchandise overload on one day. Luckily, my kids are in their twenties and expectations are no longer instant gratification from Mom and Dad at holidays.

I have 3 children in their 20s(one is still in college). So,the student is broke, the other 2 are in debt! Last year I gave each a small gift for Christmas and added some cash in festive wrapping. It was a hit. Plan to repeat this year. Nobody seems to have extra money anymore. And, besides, they need nothing.

The aforementioned Denver restaurant has these in the bathrooms.

http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/02-0334

TexBetsy @ 147

RockPaperScizzors @ 144

How about rethinking Christmas? This Christmas, instead of commercial/department store gifts, I’ve been buying “service oriented” gift certificates. Massages, theatre tickets, plays, restaurants, museum memberships, itunes, etc. I really enjoy these gifts over the year rather than merchandise overload on one day. Luckily, my kids are in their twenties and expectations are no longer instant gratification from Mom and Dad at holidays.

We buy very little, both at holiday times and in general. Just not a lot of extra cash. Biggest expense this school year (besides the upkeep of a 2000 Saturn station wagon) has been clothing for TexTeen, who is now 5′7″ and wants clothes that are a real brand and not the no-name brands. But we don’t buy a lot of “stuff”.

I’ve been there with the teen “must-haves.” I remember taking my daughter to her favorite store before christmas and choose within reason, her presents. The store wrapped them and we put them under the tree! She loved it and best of all, no returns. Her friends wished their parents had thought of this.

wvvoceofreason @ 53

My husband and I do everything we can to buy products NOT made in China. We switched to compact flourescents several years ago some of which are just now starting to burn out. We grow a lot of our own food and compost and recycle everything possible. Next spring we will install solar water heating. I constantly lobby for state subsidies and incentives for renewable energy here in WV (Nothing available yet). Check here to see what your state has to offer and let your officials know what is needed. State Database of Renewable Incentives

Funny you should say that, because China’s poised to become the largest producer of CFL’s with the incandescent producers here shutting down b/c of differential demands.

Oh, the irony!

I try to buy local (farmer’s market, etc) to reduce transportation, haven’t read thru all this since I have to run, but thought I’d put that in there.

Also, cooking in bulk for the week and then reheating does save energy — takes about the same to make a big batch as a small batch and reheating takes far less than cooking something else up.

Thanks for all the great ideas and links everyone. Catch you later.

OT – friends, i am considering asking a somewhat provocative question if i’m here for book salon this afternoon (see bottom of last thread for discussion). if i do, i have a big favor to ask all of you… which is to help me keep the conversation from being derailed by it. many thanks.

Geez, Selise, I’m trying to get off the computer and there you go with a cliffhanger. Now I have to go to the last thread and look. ; )

Phoenix Woman is upstairs.

allan_in_upstate @ 72

Dick Cheny thinks you all may be virtuous people.
Now let’s build us some nukes.

Dickie’s like a badly loaded washer that’s lurched to a stop with everything smushed together on one side. I call for evening the load, running an extra rinse for good measure, then recycling the clunker by kicking it to the curb.

OH! Please pardon my bad manners!

Good Morning Dear Doggies!

Peace.

Be careful out there, marchers, and THANKS. ;->

carolyn urban @ 160

Geez, Selise, I’m trying to get off the computer and there you go with a cliffhanger. Now I have to go to the last thread and look. ; )

it is my evil twin.

Mary Racine @ 18

You have to be careful with the lowering/raising the heat tricks. It takes more energy to raise the heat of something than it does to keep it warm. Your home has to be well insulated and the sweet spot for seeing energy savings is fairly small.

I’ve wondered about this. I have a large (3500 sq ft) historic house (1817). I have very good roof insulation & storm windows & doors. But the walls, of course, can’t be insulated. Is there any way I can figure out what the sweet spot of temp is? I have a oil burner forced air heating system.

Good morning. It’s best to keep your freezer (and refrigerator) full rather than circulating cold air. If there is room, fill an old milk carton or two and let them freeze. Same with the refrigerator. Cool water is better than air.

eCAHNomics @ 164

Mary Racine @ 18

You have to be careful with the lowering/raising the heat tricks. It takes more energy to raise the heat of something than it does to keep it warm. Your home has to be well insulated and the sweet spot for seeing energy savings is fairly small.

I’ve wondered about this. I have a large (3500 sq ft) historic house (1817). I have very good roof insulation & storm windows & doors. But the walls, of course, can’t be insulated. Is there any way I can figure out what the sweet spot of temp is? I have a oil burner forced air heating system.

Actually eCAHN, that may not be totally true. My sister had a 200 YO farm house in NH. She had someone who did insulation of the walls by drilling small holes from the outside and blowing the insulation in. Do not know exactly how it was done or anything other than that it WAS done but probably worth checking out. It did make a significant differnece though in lowering the heating costs the winter after.

inmymind’seye @ 83

Good Morning,

I have only recently heard about this organization

I was appalled a couple of weeks ago after reading this story , and have made a promise to myself to be more aware of where I spend my money.

We do all we can here by purchasing locally produced goods as much as possible, and using products without petrochemicals. We also think twice before we use our cars, have switched mostly to compact fluorescents, keep the thermostats turned down to 58, and just try to be aware of our use of energy.

My eleven year old daughter is planning on a career as a green architect. This is a huge issue to our kids, and they have internalized the idea that they can and will make a difference.

I don’t get Al Gore’s notion that he can have a greater impact on climate change continuing his PR campaign rather than as president. How much more of an impact could he have on global energy policy than as president of the US, backed by a Democratic Congress. I just don’t get.

Agreed … Recycle Re- elect President Gore ‘08 ! *g*

selise @ 151

jayackroyd @ 131

I think the short answer to that is simple enough, and also unthinkable.

yes.

that’s why i specified at 450ppm – w/o humans it was, i think, about 280 (lower during the ice ages).

maybe 450ppm is too high a target…

or maybe a better question would have been…. how can i translate my level of consumption (if duplicated by every human) to a peak atmospheric co2 level.

i’m trying to find a way to translate the way each of us lives with a specific planetary picture.

I’ll try again. As long as people are desequestering carbon using fossil fuels, at any rate, you will have an ecosystem that has rising levels of CO2. An ecosystem with rising levels of anything is unsustainable.

So the ecosystem will change. In the past, those changes have been dramatic, involving great die-offs. I don’t see how a dramatic change is unavoidable. The question really is when, rather than whether.

Now, as I also said, two hundred years isn’t very long, so this may not be an issue for anyone alive today. People haven’t done anything, yet, as devastating as the metorite associated with the dinosaur die-out. But this massive release of sequestered carbon is cumulative, and there is no mechanism for uptake at the same rates as it is being released.

OTOH, we should see human population peak sometime in the generation after next. But it seems pretty certain that energy utilization per capita will rise more than enough to offset the population peak. So, if I were a toddler, and I could worry, I would worry. And I’ll keep unplugging my transformers, even though intellectually i realize I am spitting into the sea.

You can go here to get resources to do your own home energy audit.

And you can go here for an online energy audit program.

Additionally, many areas have energy auditors who will use infrared cameras to show you where you need to tighten your home. Check with the BBB to make sure they are legit.

Jill @ 43

I have a question. We often use our wood stove and keep the house temperature low (boiler system). Which is more damaging to the environment, running the heat or burning the wood?

Wood is carbon neutral – after all, the tree captured the carbon to grow. Not so the fuel for a heater (that carbon was captured many millenia ago).

Wood can be burned very efficiently. Unfortunately, that means burning hot. If you just need to take the chill off, 20 minutes of fuel is probably cleaner than cranking up the stove (though soapstone stoves are great for this – a hot quick fire, and the soapstone radiates heat for hours).

I believe we are headed for an unpreventable crisis.

I believe we are going to see the kinds of ugly realities come to pass that once belonged only in futuristic, dystopian movies.

We act as if it small things will avert disaster. They will not.

In my lifetime, the population of the planet has doubled.

We have already achieved unsustainable population growth.

Water shortages, resource wars, population migrations are our future.

jayackroyd @ 168

As long as people are desequestering carbon using fossil fuels, at any rate, you will have an ecosystem that has rising levels of CO2.

jayackroyd…. are you sure about this? can’t there be a higher co2 set point – a new equibrium?

An ecosystem with rising levels of anything is unsustainable.

agree if the increase linear. but not if the increase is asymptotically approaching a new set point.

i don’t know enough about planetary ecosystems/geology/etc to know what to expect. but i do know that it is far more complicated, probably with multiple “tipping points”

Loo Hoo. @ 165

Good morning. It’s best to keep your freezer (and refrigerator) full rather than circulating cold air. If there is room, fill an old milk carton or two and let them freeze. Same with the refrigerator. Cool water is better than air.

Ooooh! I can’t wait to run to my sweetie with this one! Thanks much. He’s forever grumping about me and my ever-full freezer. You’re dead-bang right, and so am I! HAH!

having done a major renovation of our home/office in the last year, I can tell you there’s a lot that folks can do for their own home to reduce energy consumption. One trick is finding the contractors and installers who have experience and knowledge in ‘greening’ an older structure.

Our solar water heater is a total joy. It’s got a heat exchanger with a non-toxic glycol fluid in the collectors – we live in the mountains of New Mexico where we can get down to 10′F at night regularly so a direct H20 system wasn’t practical for us. I keep the temp at about 130F because we like our water hot around here. The backup is a natural gas 75g heater we bought 2 years before the renovation. With a little reworking of the schedule the laundry and other chores that need hot water are done when we have ‘free’ hot water.

I’ve lived in Ireland. Most of the folks I know and the houses they live in use a fraction of the energy we do here in the USA. Tankless water heaters are a proven technology, and if you’ve got a plumber who doesn’t want to install them, it’s because he doesn’t know anything about them and doesn’t want to learn now. Find a different plumber. I’ve shared a house with a half dozen re-enactors who after a gig are pretty funky. We can use both showers in the house at the same time, and get every all fresh and shiny for a night down in the pub within an hour and there’s always hot water.

Have used power strips on computers for ever, switched the main tv array over about a year ago. The tv and the tivo don’t like this, they have to reset and power up completely and we use the tivo a lot for timeshifting. So we took them off the strip, but all the other components are turned on only when we want to use them.

I’ve used florescent bulbs in some lighting fixtures for years. They’re getting better by the month it seems. Still experimenting with various brands and types. Like the ‘craft’ bulbs for the reading lamps. I’m not worrying too much about disposal, our local dump has an Earth Day recycling event and they’ll take fluorescents then. Wal-mart and a few other big stores are working on how they’ll recycle the bulbs long-term. The bulbs have such a long life, I’m confident that there will be some easy to use disposal method for most folks in a few years.

Heck, even Ireland, not a land known for months of sunny skies is going greener. There’s programs to encourage people to install solar water heaters, reasoning that even if they can only be used for 3-5 months a year, that’s still better than using fossil fuel for those months that solar can be substituted.

And speaking of laundry, (I am descended from a long line of Irish washer women), there’s a lot that can be done to save energy and water when doing the wash. Replace the washing machine with a front loader. You’ll save energy, water and wear and tear on the clothes. Many water companies in the west offer rebates on installing water-efficient washing machines. The newest lines of HE and cold water detergents are excellent, rate very high in Consumers reports tests and here in my home.

Don’t forget a solar clothes dryer! Yes, hang a line and get some clothes pins and use it when you can. There’s a few periods I can’t use the line because of the pollen storms we get, or the weather is bad, but even if you can’t eliminate the use of a dryer, anytime you can reduce your use, that’s a good thing. Often I hang laundry on the line until it’s almost dry then pop in the dryer to finish off and fluff the fibers. this works especially well on towels and blankets that can be stiff if only line-dried.

Plastic bags: gotten much more consistent after seeing during the Live Earth concert that we in the US use as many as 100 billion plastic bags a year (!). Did a little experiment, in August took every plastic bag we brought home and stuffed them in a closet. In early September did a rough count and stopped after 80. Keep a variety of bags in the car now, folded and packed inside one another. Use them not just for groceries, but when I hit the farmer’s market, the bookstore and other retail shops. In Ireland (can you tell I really love being able to spend time in Ireland with family?), there’s a charge of about .75 US for plastic bags at the grocery store. Saw an incredible reduction in the amount of bags stuck in trees and floating on the water within a year with my own eyes.

I know people often feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, all the demands we have on our time and money. Start with what you can do yourself, learn what you can, know that your needs might not always fit the common denominator and accept that while you might not be able to hang out a clothes line because you live in an apartment, there’s other energy saving actions you can take.

And if you got kids, or know kids, you have ambassadors to the future who may already know more about these issues than you do. Plus they’ll help you with chores and finding ways to save energy if they’re motivated. I have no children of my own, but there’s a passel of kids I love and adore, and that’s a major incentive for me. I want them to have a healthy diverse world to live in long after I’m gone.

As always, this has gone on long enough, now to post and read all the great ideas and experiences others have had.

Get your community to compost – take organic waste out of the regular trash – we do it in Toronto
and depending on the neighborhood, 60 – 75 % less garbage goes to the Dump.

Waccamaw at 125 and others, I am in the outskirts of Chapel Hill. We are near the top of a hill with the back of the house exactly south facing, so we have tons of sun. I post on bluenc sometimes, know screwy hoolie from YK, but don’t get out A’ville.

selise @ 115

something i’ve wondered… do you-all know of anyone who’s estimated a consumption allowance per person on the planet?

for example, if we were to limit co2 to 450 ppm (yes, i know that’s no longer looking very likely)… how much carbon pollution could we produce and still not go over that limit? and about how much total consumption per person would that be?

i guess what i’m trying to get to is an objective measure for “obscene consumption.” certainly if each of us pollute at a level that, if duplicated by every human on the planet, would destroy planetary ecosystems…. that ought to qualify as obscene consumption.

sorta like if going to a thanksgiving dinner with 12 people and taking half the food… i think it would help our culture if we understood what it means to not take more than our share.

Haven’t had time to finish reading all posts, but I have thougt about this for a few years. If we could monitor and see a digital readout of our daily usage of utilities, like electricity, gas, water, etc, we would be more likely to set targets and reduce that usage. I think digital metering is available right now. I would propose a readout to computer, land line phone or cell phone, so immediate results could be seen with the click of a button. Anyone her that could flesh out this scheme?
Karen

chun yang -

Thought from something you said a while back wrt to “mountains” you might be at a much higher altitude. If anything comes up in the eastern part of the state will try to get word to you.

Do you know tommy yum (haven’t seem much of him here recently) who is from your area?

We have a relatively new house, with lots of recessed lighting in our kitchen. I didn’t really think much about it, because you just flip one switch, but that’s 10 light bulbs with one switch.

I’ve stopped using them, except on rare occasions, and use the single light over the sink, and the low voltage one over the island instead.

My electric bill has been noticably lower.

pierce aero @ 177

selise @ 115

something i’ve wondered… do you-all know of anyone who’s estimated a consumption allowance per person on the planet?

for example, if we were to limit co2 to 450 ppm (yes, i know that’s no longer looking very likely)… how much carbon pollution could we produce and still not go over that limit? and about how much total consumption per person would that be?

i guess what i’m trying to get to is an objective measure for “obscene consumption.” certainly if each of us pollute at a level that, if duplicated by every human on the planet, would destroy planetary ecosystems…. that ought to qualify as obscene consumption.

sorta like if going to a thanksgiving dinner with 12 people and taking half the food… i think it would help our culture if we understood what it means to not take more than our share.

Haven’t had time to finish reading all posts, but I have thougt about this for a few years. If we could monitor and see a digital readout of our daily usage of utilities, like electricity, gas, water, etc, we would be more likely to set targets and reduce that usage. I think digital metering is available right now. I would propose a readout to computer, land line phone or cell phone, so immediate results could be seen with the click of a button. Anyone her that could flesh out this scheme?
Karen

I heard something startling recently that’s at least marginally relevant, in giving a sense of the enormity of the problems we all face.

E.O. Wilson, in a recent interview on C-Span, claimed that if the present-day energy consumption rate of the USA were the norm, world wide, it would take FOUR complete Earth’s-worth of resources to support.

I.e., impossible. frightening. coming from E.O. Wilson, undoubtedly something to take quite seriously indeed.

http://www.booktv.org/program……ionName=In Depth&PlayMedia=No

http://www.amazon.com/Creation…..amp;sr=8-1

selise @ 115

something i’ve wondered… do you-all know of anyone who’s estimated a consumption allowance per person on the planet?

for example, if we were to limit co2 to 450 ppm (yes, i know that’s no longer looking very likely)… how much carbon pollution could we produce and still not go over that limit? and about how much total consumption per person would that be?

i guess what i’m trying to get to is an objective measure for “obscene consumption.” certainly if each of us pollute at a level that, if duplicated by every human on the planet, would destroy planetary ecosystems…. that ought to qualify as obscene consumption.

sorta like if going to a thanksgiving dinner with 12 people and taking half the food… i think it would help our culture if we understood what it means to not take more than our share.

There is a wonderful work of fiction by Daniel Quinn entitled Ishmael. It talks about not taking more than our share.

Christy.

That birdie is an absolute blast! Will be sending the linkie to a bunch-a-folk. Thanks. Sure did need a laugh right-about-now, sigh.

Best to you and yours. ;->

joeshit, the rag man @ 64

I have a soapstone wood burning stove with a catalytic combuster, which is supposed to burn the smoke also. It has an 80% efficiency rating. Soapstone also holds the heat for much longer than just plain iron.

Jill @ 43

I have a question. We often use our wood stove and keep the house temperature low (boiler system). Which is more damaging to the environment, running the heat or burning the wood?

Definitely have to look into this. Thanks.

An easy way to keep the house warmer is to have a vestibule. If you can build it as an enclosed sun porch, all the better. Opening the house door into moderated or warm outside air cuts way down on drafts and reduces the amount of warm air that escapes each time the door is opened.

In several churches in Munich I noticed the vestibule is just a small room defined by heavy drapes inside the main doors. There is a perceptible temperature difference between the vestibule and the main space.

Couldn’t resist and too much fun not to share:

http://www.kamazutra.be/corde

Waccamaw, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting tommy yum,but did attend the FDL breakfast at YK 06 and read here daily, even if I don’t have much to say.Later when our renovation is done I want to host a get-together for all the cool blog community, to share what we learned in going solar.

One of the coolest things I’ve seen lately on this topic is the effort in Berkeley to help its residents install solar energy without putting up any money up front. The idea is that the city puts up the money up front, the homeowner pays over 20 years, with interest, but the interest rate is a lot lower than an individual homeowner could get because the city is financing it for thousands of people at once. The savings in electrical bills turn out to be higher than the monthly payment, so it’s a clear win.

In lots of cases, renewable energy works this way: the up-front costs can be considerable, but after that, it’s considerably cheaper. We just need to find creative ways of financing.

Just think: if you could get solar cells on your roof without putting out any money, if you paid it off each month at a rate that is about the same as what you save on your electrical bills, wouldn’t you jump at it? (Whether it’s a saving might depend on time of year; in summer you’d definitely save money).

Joe Buck @ 187

One of the coolest things I’ve seen lately on this topic is the effort in Berkeley to help its residents install solar energy without putting up any money up front. The idea is that the city puts up the money up front, the homeowner pays over 20 years, with interest, but the interest rate is a lot lower than an individual homeowner could get because the city is financing it for thousands of people at once. The savings in electrical bills turn out to be higher than the monthly payment, so it’s a clear win.

In lots of cases, renewable energy works this way: the up-front costs can be considerable, but after that, it’s considerably cheaper. We just need to find creative ways of financing.

Just think: if you could get solar cells on your roof without putting out any money, if you paid it off each month at a rate that is about the same as what you save on your electrical bills, wouldn’t you jump at it? (Whether it’s a saving might depend on time of year; in summer you’d definitely save money).

Most municipal and state credits/loans for solar through offices of public utilities tend to work this way. So everyone should go to the Energy Star link listed above and put in their state and zip. All grants and credits in any one area should come up as links. Most areas get the federal $2000 tax credit along with local grants or zero interest loans that are paid back from the savings on one’s utilities over time — no money up front.

Great comments with lots of useful and very practical ideas. Many thanks!

A couple of thoughts:

1. Tighten It Up!

Energy efficiency is the best carbon offset. Less energy used = less energy that needs to be generated. Did you know that houses use about 35% of all the electricity generated in the US?

We can — and will — all do our individual parts, but the construction of new coal plants can negate those efforts very quickly. See this eye-opener from Architecture 2030. Brief excerpt:

There are 151 new conventional coal-fired power plants in various stages of development in the US today….

If every household in the US changed a 60-watt incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent…
The CO2 emissions from just two medium-sized coal-fired power plants each year would negate this entire effort.

2. And after you’ve tightened up (or while you’re saving up to do it), carbon offsets do help, as long as you’ve got a certified source. Christy is using Carbonfund.org, which is a good one. There are others. This is a new market, without standards or regulations, so do your due diligence to find one that is certified, and most important, retires the offset after it’s purchased. Some brokers keep selling the same offset repeatedly.

3. Check out Green Tags (renewable energy certificates) and White Tags (energy efficiency certificates) as offsets.

4. Carbon footprints (how low can you go)?

There are a number of carbon calculators that will help you measure your carbon footprint. Carbonfund.org has one. Also check out Airhead’s which gives you some comparison to averages in the US.

5. And there’s a new effort in Germany to help us understand our water footprint and how much water it takes to produce various food products. With the drought in the US SE, Atlanta about to run out of water and the wildfires in California, this is worth looking into. Don’t know about any water calculators yet.

6. As people concerned about climate change, energy, and the environment, please check out the national teach-in on January 31, 2008, Focus the Nation and do what you can in your local community to involve students, community leaders, religious organizations, government folks, and everyone else.

James Hansen, NASA climate scientist, wrote in 2006:

W]e have at most ten years — not ten years to decide upon action, but ten years to alter fundamentally the trajectory of global greenhouse emissions.

Let’s do it!