Renewables That Could Transform City LivingIt is easy to see that, for many people, a lack of greenery around their home can demonstrate that there are very few options for renewable energy. This is particularly true in the city where people can have a more negative outlook on the potential for green energy solutions to be distributed to them without the advantages that other homes have for generating their own renewable energy. However, there are ways in which city living can be made more green and sustainable. (more…)

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Over the past century, mankind’s ability to manufacture, produce, and distribute goods has grown at a rate that is faster than at any other time in history. Unfortunately, the production of goods has led to the consumption of materials and has produced a large quantity of waste. The manufacturing and production world realizes that these eco-damaging practices are non-sustainable. Therefore, there has been a push in creating sustainable waste management and using recycled materials in manufacturing. (more…)

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2GreenEnergy on Instagram: A Daily Attempt To Do Something Good We at 2GreenEnergy have had 134 consecutive days of Instagram posts.  Each morning, before I get out of bed, I come up with something that I think will resonate with the audience (primarily people half my age or younger).   In all but one case, they have been non-commercial in nature, i.e., they pointed to an important environmental issue, promoted a certain flavor of renewable energy, offered a call to action to get involved, or perhaps delivered an uplifting thought.IMG_20160302_052804

To the left is the one commercial post; to the right is an example of something that I hope will bring a spirit of optimism, a suggestion that we all need to become better citizens of the world.

 

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New Concept in Low-speed Electric TransportationHere’s the ELF (electric, light and fun). Legally a bicycle, it is reminiscent of the EMcycle, whose design I have been promoting as a cleantech investment opportunity for the last couple of years. And like the EMcycle, it’s hard to know precisely what level of market acceptance it will receive. Personally, I would add doors to accommodate drivers on rainy days.

The ELF is an electrically assisted bike, meaning that the driver can choose to pedal or not. (more…)

Mourning the Loss of a Great EnvironmentalistIt is with deep sadness that I report the assassination of Berta Cásares of Honduras (pictured), one of the most noteworthy environmental activists in Central and South America. She had dedicated her entire life to the support of the indigenous people and the natural resources which those people relied upon and revered, but she was no match for the government’s  military brutality and economic suppression. When big money came in and began building hydroelectric dams and other forms of development that would ruin the environment, Cácares organized and inspired the indigenous people in a grassroots efforts to rise up against this devastation.  As a result, she was murdered by government thugs,  put in place to protect these enormous economic investments. (more…)

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I recently took a position that public universities should not accept donations from groups who admit that they are trying to influence the political philosophy taught at those schools, and that environmental groups shouldn’t accept donations from polluters. A reader responds:

I disagree! I don’t see anything wrong with a university accepting money from anyone as long as it’s clearly reflected and published….However much you dislike the David and Charles Koch they are as entitled as you to commission research and donate freely… (more…)

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Florida Lags in Renewable Energy, And Here’s WhyFrank from Florida writes:  Hi Craig, Yes, the Department of Energy is doing wonderful things.  Here I am sitting in a state, where it has been said time and time again how productive Florida would be with solar, and yet I’m reading about Dairy Land utility projects installing over 2.5 MW of solar in Wisconsin!  In the next two years Dairy Land will be putting together a number of community solar projects. Wisconsin? Really? 

You’re right; Florida needs to get on the stick. (more…)

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Should the Sierra Club Accept Donations from Polluters?Referring to the fact that the Sierra Club accepted a $26 million donation from Chesapeake Energy, a natural gas company, check this out:  “Runners shouldn’t smoke, priests shouldn’t touch the kids, and environmentalists should never take money from polluters,” John Passacantando, a former director of Greenpeace who is now an environmental consultant, said in an interview.

Wow, Mr. Passacantando is one articulate fellow.  But is he categorically right? (more…)

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How to Use Plants to Your Green Life AdvantageWith today’s soaring electricity price, tough economic climates and global warming concerns, farmers seek to streamline efficiencies to create savings. We live in a world where energy can no longer be taken for granted and so putting an effective energy audit in place is absolutely essential to identifying key problems. From the use of clean sustainable energy to energy conservation and pollution penalties, it’s become paramount for everyone to tackle energy security.

Whilst the ever-rising utility expenses have had an effect on all of us, it’s the farmers who need to reduce their vulnerability to the volatile costs of on-farm energy the most. Using simple steps that can be acted upon immediately will help reduce your farm’s energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and spend on utility bills. Here’s some tips on how to carry out a farm energy audit to get you started: (more…)

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Planning an Eco-friendly Remodel – Start with your FloorAre you seeking for a convenient way to refresh an old room and increase the general value of your home? Well then you might want to look down. Very few homeowners pay attention to their floor when remodeling or redecorating their spaces. Believe it or not, your floor may need an upgrade. There’s really no need to invest in expensive marble or luxurious hard wood to make your living area, kitchen or bedroom look modern and chic. Here are some smart ideas for a more environmentally approach to a home remodeling. (more…)

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