March of 2017 saw solar and wind contribute more than 10% to the U.S. electricity grid mix for the first time in history (up from 8.6% in March 2016).
In a very short period of time, renewable energy has gone from a hobby (Bill Gates once called solar “cute”) to something called “alternative energy.” At 10%, it seems more like “mainstream” may be a better moniker.
Since its inception coming up on eight years ago, 2GreenEnergy has attempted to sort out the issues that affect our civilization’s replacement of fossil fuels with renewables, and this, as we made clear at the start, encompasses the interactivity between the technological, the economical, and the political aspects of this transition.
Yet this has been anything but a static discussion; there has been significant change in our focus over the years, in particular, in the direction of the political. But exactly why is this? (more…)
While modern homes are becoming more energy efficient than ever, air conditioning still remains one of the most expensive aspects of maintaining a home because of the high amount of energy it consumes. There are, however, a number of ways to optimize your home to allow your AC unit to work more efficiently, cutting down on energy costs and consumption. Here are three ways to help ensure your AC unit is working optimally and efficiently. (more…)
We all have a special connection with our planet, so it’s no wonder that many people feel most comfortable and most peaceful when they are in nature. And in today’s industry, where everything is mass-produced, over-sprayed by pesticides and not at all natural, many people are searching for healthier alternatives. Some people had put two and two together, and started their own organic farms. They are growing all natural produce and selling it fresh to their local markets. If you had a similar idea, but weren’t sure how to execute it, here are some guidelines that might help you get started. (more…)
A frequent commenter notes that he believes Trump is evil, and that his supporters are as well. Here’s a brief conversation on the subject:
Craig: I wouldn’t say they’re evil, any more than I would say that about the Germans of the 1930s. I would say that they are desperate, angry, ignorant and gullible, and in possession of a shaky moral compass. (more…)
If you have ever gasped after seeing your electricity bill, you are not alone. Many people receive a high utility bill and are ready to take action to not repeat the experience. Try these four ways to efficiently use electricity and reduce the amount of money that you have to pay to the utility company every month. (more…)
Frequent commenter MarcoPolo writes: People should be entitled to express their opinions (humbly or otherwise), without being afraid of ridicule and abuse from arrogant eco-fanatics.
Well, first, you may want to rethink your position that environmentalists are “arrogant eco-fanatics.” What’s the value of being so nasty and so unfair? It’s no better than saying that African-Americans are “shiftless”; it only serves to broadcast one’s bigotry and ignorance. (more…)
Regarding the aesthetics of wind turbines, Glenn Doty writes: It’s a matter of opinion and taste. For as long as I’ve been alive, I’ve seen windmills on postcards and paintings… expressions of beauty. The sleek towers today look far different from the old corn mills of yesteryear, but I still find them beautiful.
Yes, it’s subjective; I don’t really have a feeling on this one way or the other. When people complain that winds farms are eyesores, I often ask, “Do you like the look of coal plants? Dead coral reefs? Black lung tissue?” Snide, I’ll admit, but I can’t help myself.
Gary Tulie sent me this piece in Cleantechnica, which posits that the Trump administration is becoming bullish on renewable energy (not a bad name for a book) and bearish on coal.
I honestly don’t know what to make of this. Trump has been very clear that he intends to bring back jobs in coal, and, though the industry is small and shrinking, this is a big deal to his (small and shrinking) fan base. Further, it was just the other day that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt boasted that 50K new coal jobs had been created since Trump took office. (more…)
When launching a new business, you need to find a way to make a splash with your target audience and to differentiate yourself from the competition. Going green, or being environmentally friendly, is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd and to entice customers to do business with you. In addition, it can help you to feel great about your business, and you may even qualify for tax credits or other financial benefits in some cases through various efforts. These are some of the exceptional ways you can go green with your new business today. (more…)
