Like So Many Other Things in Our World, Marketing Messages Keep Getting Better
For those harboring the erroneous belief that the quality of marketing messages has remained largely unchanged over the past few decades, I offer this: (more…)
Biomass Has Its Pros and Cons
It’s hard to over-estimate the importance of biomass as a component to a sustainable mix of renewable energy resources—largely for its capacity to convert streams of waste, many of which are toxic, into useful chemical or electrical energy.
That’s the good news. As far as the bad news is concerned:
• Many of these “waste streams” are not waste at all, but rather plant material grown specifically for this purpose. In these cases, we need to consider the footprint of creating the feedstock: planting, irrigating, fertilizing, harvesting, and processing, not to mention the issues associated with the use of the land.
• Processing biomass without creating its own stream of toxic waste is still an evolving science. (more…)
Tagged with: 000 tons of municipal solid waste per day, Americans dispose of more than 300 million automobile tires per year, Bangkok generates 14, Biomass Pros and Cons, Senior Biomass Engineer, sustainable mix of renewable energy resources, thermochemical processes including pyrolysis and gasification, waste streams are becoming increasingly obnoxious
Notes on Distributed Generation
I met Bruce Wilson in the sandbox in kindergarten, where we were schoolmates in Philadelphia. Though we lost track of one another for many decades, I’m happy that we’ve reconnected via 2GreenEnergy, where he offers a steady stream of cogent remarks, mostly on the need to improve the energy efficiency of the built environment, a subject to which he’s dedicated his entire career. I salute you for the work you’ve done, and I thank you for your comments.
Yesterday, Bruce noted: I like to think that the future of energy is distributed power with many small local producers helping bring greater balance to a shared system much like the rural electrification program. (more…)
Our Energy Future: 100% Renewables?
Here is another voice in the rising chorus of those who suggest that an all-renewable energy future is a practical reality, in fact, the only practical reality given the environmental plight we face.
Insofar as the article is written by Ralph Nader (pictured), a consumer advocate whose name is most closely associated with the use of the public sector to create a better tomorrow, the reader should be prepared for the fact that government leadership sits at the forefront of the plan outlined herein. (more…)
From Guest Blogger Brooke Chapman: Most Common Energy Escapes in Your Home and How to Stop Them
Energy bills are on the rise, and homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to lower their costs. While you may dream of going solar or investing in new appliances, these changes may not be in your budget. The great news is there are other steps you can take to stop drafts, reduce heat transfer, and reverse the upward trend with your electricity.
Stock up on Weather Stripping
Openness To New Energy Ideas
In the comments to my post on new energy paradigms, a reader takes me to task: I find your comments disingenuous, Craig, as I have mostly seen you play the comfortable role of the skeptic when it comes to out-of-the-box exotic technologies. It’s easy to play the role of the armchair skeptic. …. There are many important solutions unfolding but they struggle and they need supporters, helpers, not skeptics.
Here’s my position: I believe violations of the laws of thermodynamics are impossible, and that anyone who thinks otherwise is a crackpot, a fraud, or an ignoramus. (more…)
From Guest Blogger Brooke Chapman: Green Vibes–Where Can You Save More Energy at Home?
In today’s every changing world, it is clear that saving energy and protecting the environment are both important. Doing your part at home will help make planet Earth a safe and healthy place to live, and reduce your carbon footprint. It will also be helpful for those trying to save money as well. Little changes over a long period of time will make a big difference in the end. Sure, turning off a computer might save $0.20 cents a day, but that adds up to over $125 saved in a year (really? -ed). Consider making the following changes to help save more energy at home. (more…)
From Guest Blogger Christopher Austin: Expert Tips to Make Your Flooring Attractive and Environmentally Friendly
Choosing the right flooring in your home is one of the most important decisions you can make. In certain areas it will need to be hardwearing, whilst in bathrooms it will need to be moisture resistant. Some flooring is warm to your feet but more inclined to trap dirt whilst other flooring is cold but easy to keep clean. Whichever type of flooring you choose you will want it to appear attractive as well as function. You may also want to consider flooring which is environmentally friendly: (more…)
Asking Santa for a Little Solar Power
Those who may have tired of Christmas music, rejoice. For there are numerous take-offs on the carols of yore that reflect secular humanitarian values, like this hilarious one on solar energy:
Solar Carol (more…)
Environmental Gifts You Gave in 2015
In case you didn’t realize how generous you were over the last 12 months, here’s our Instagram post of the day. Thanks very much!
Needless to say, we encourage all our readers to follow us on Instagram. What a great platform, with tons of activity, especially among younger people.
