Many of the processing technologies such as drying are, by their very nature, ‘high energy spenders’ and just eliminating that technology from your production line isn’t usually an option. (more…)
A long-time 2GreenEnergy reader proposes to build an EV charging network along the California coastline (aka Route 1, aka (in many places) the Pacific Coast Highway). There are a couple of main challenges I believe he’ll face:
Working Around the Corpses of the Already Dead Contenders in this Space. The whole EV universe has had a string of sobering experiences, including the bankruptcies of both the Ecotality charging-station network and the Better Place service in Israel. Here’s a good article that asks the question: Does a market exist here at all?
Demand. Case studies show that the presence of more charging stations alleviates range anxiety; instead of charging their batteries at 50% or 60% state of charge (SOC), drivers will let the SOC fall to perhaps 20%. That’s good for the driver, but not necessarily for the charging station entrepreneurs, whose product doesn’t get used as much as its owner might have anticipated. The people at EPRI know a great deal about this; in fact, I learned it from Mark Duvall, Director of Energy Utilization at EPRI whom I interviewed for my first book (Renewable Energy – Facts and Fantasies). (more…)
Last Friday was the 118th birthday of Thorton Wilder, best known for his 1938 Pulitzer-prize winning play “Our Town,” a scene of which is pictured here. I was discussing this the other day with my mother, who called to my attention a remark that Wilder once made: “My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate.” (more…)
In an earlier post I mentioned the enormous diversity of concepts presented at Santa Barbara’s magnificent Earth Day celebration last Saturday. I was just going through my notes and ran across this fine example: Stop Organ Pillaging in China. Apparently, because of the incredible profit associated with killing people and selling their organs to people in need of transplants, China engages in “forced organ harvesting,” where death row inmates and prisoners of conscience are executed, and their organs (corneas, livers, kidneys, lungs, hearts, etc.) are sold to supply the demands of the world market, normally at prices between $100K and $200K. A report, in 21 languages, is available here. (more…)
Environmental concerns are starting to dictate more and more of our consumer decisions. From which food to buy to what light bulbs to use, it’s refreshing to see that customers are starting to make great strides to being more environmentally aware.
One area this environmental concern has the potential to influence purchases is fireplaces. (more…)
Whether you drive for pleasure, use your car for commuting to work or drive a van or truck in your professional life it will serve you to become more fuel efficient. Not only will your ability to get more miles out of every litre improve your green credentials it will also save you considerable amounts of money over the long term.
Which Vehicle? (more…)
It’s Earth Month once again, which means two things — Earth Day itself is rapidly approaching, and what better time to reflect on our energy consumption habits.
This year, the Earth Month theme is “Our Planet is in Peril.” What better way to observe this month than be initiating some changes in our own homes. From investing in renewable energy to making a few minor hardware alterations, there’s a lot you can do this month to lessen your carbon footprint. (more…)
There are many advantages to improving the green credentials of your workplace including: a lower carbon footprint which helps the environment; greater appeal to customers who value environmentally friendliness; and monetary savings on your utility bills.
In addition, whether your company is large or small there is a wide variety of environmental legislation in place you need to comply with. Here we are going to examine some eco-friendly strides you can take forward in almost every aspect of your business. (more…)
While there is a running debate as to whether to go totally off-grid or partially off-grid, there is no question in people’s minds about wanting to save on their monthly electric bills. In fact, some are looking to either reduce or totally eliminate their dependency on fossil fuels by improvising their own electric system by the use of solar panels and other solar energy means. (more…)
Are your gas, heating and electricity bills going through the roof? Were you wondering how your home can run on less energy? Being environmentally conscious is not only a popular notion of keeping our planet healthier and cleaner, it will also a great way to save money. Sometimes even implementing simple modifications will save you from financial headaches. It will require some lifestyle changes, but you have the means and the power to make it happen. (more…)
