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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How to Maintain Home Energy Efficiency During the WinterThe winter weather is upon us. January and February tend to be the worst months for most people. Old Man Winter shows his furry during the Winter Season, and many are left with the bills to prove he was here. There is a way to keep your family comfortable, and to ensure that your bills are within a manageable range this season. Here are some tips for staying warm and not breaking the bank. (more…)

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Queen of PeaceMy trip to New Bedford, MA the other day to visit a client was my first time in this charming little fishing village, which, 150 years ago, was the whaling capital of the U.S.

I got up early and walked around, taking pictures wherever I went.  I thought readers might enjoy this one that I used for one of our 2GreenEnergy Instagram posts.

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Those Pesky Laws of PhysicsHere’s a little discussion on Facebook, based on this video:

A lady writes: Cool idea to put the kids to work…. now we just need a storage battery! (more…)

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Busy Day at the ARPA-E Show

I thought readers might be interested in my “notes to self” from the ARPA-E show the other day:

A representative from Électricité de France (logo pictured) says that the company is going full bore with EPRs (European pressurized water reactors)(more…)

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