Posted on August 19th, 2008 by Bruce
First step to reduce Greenhouse Gas - Energy Efficiency
The USA could cut it’s projected GHG emissions in HALF by 2030, WITHOUT major lifestyle changes or new technologies, if it would legislate efficiency programs.
California is one state that has been setting an excellent example through programs such as it’s “demand response system” for reducing electricity demands at peak periods. This policy alone, has prevented the construction of several new power plants.
All products that consume energy should be required to post consumption rates to allow a consumer to comparison shop.
Where the person who makes a purchase is not the end person responsible for paying the electrical bill, minimum standards need to be passed into law. For example, Builders should be required to state the operating cost for the homes they build. It is much cheaper in the long run, to install additional installation when building a house, than to pay for the heating cost throughout the life of the building that has poor insulation. Yes, this becomes a bit tricky given “lifestyles” can vary the average bill, but standards can still be developed.
Similar for Landlord - Tenant issues. Landlords need to be forced to install proper insulation, caulking, energy efficient appliances… or utility bills need to be included in the rent. Average operating costs to be born by the tenant need to be listed in writing for All rental units.
Cars/Vehicles offer one of the largest opportunities. In 2007 the average European made car got 44.2 mpg, while the average mileage for Japanese made cars was 45.0 mpg. In 2007 the US Congress passed a law to force American made cars to meet 35 mpg by 2020! What is wrong with this picture!
The USA needs to LEAD, not LAG.
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Posted on August 18th, 2008 by Bruce
Clean Coal Does NOT Exist
Some lobbyist would tell you that “clean coal” is just as good as burning Natural Gas in electrical generating stations. They may talk of test sites and government support. In virtually all cases, the companies involved in “clean coal” have given up on these unproven technologies. 
To quote Eric Redman on the use of pulverized-coal plants, a lawyer who represents several companies working on technologies to “gasify” coal, from Fred Krupp’s recent book, EARTH: THE SEQUEL, “It’s almost immoral. It’s like telling someone you can keep smoking because we might come up with a cure for cancer.”
China makes 80% of it’s electricity from coal and is adding a new 500-megawatt plant every four days.
USA and the developed countries need to lead the way, with massive greening of the electrical grid. China, as in the past, will follow suit once it is evident that coal stations will not be tolerated.
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Posted on August 15th, 2008 by Bruce
Emissions Per Person - Not Per Nation
Who spews more CO2 into the air, USA or China? The dubious honour of being #1 is now in debate. At 23% of the world’s CO2 production EACH, it doesn’t really matter who’s #1, as the earth can not handle this continued level of CO2 production. Add India into the picture and you have over 50% of all man-made CO2 production via these 3 countries.
There is no question, CO2 production levels must be reduced. But how do we allocate this “resource” (CO2). Most articles on CO2 and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) list the production “per country”. Is this fair? If we support the idea that all people are created equal, then we must look at CO2 production on a per person basis. A person living in the USA, Europe, China, India or Russia.. each has the same “right” to the resources of the planet, including clean air to breath and a comfortable standard of living.
Looking at CO2 production “per person”, puts the USA far ahead of the rest of the world. Yes the people of China and India are now producing huge, unsupportable levels of CO2. But at 2.4 BILLION people, do they not have the “right” to this current production level - to this current “Standard of Living” that is still 5 times below the standard of living for the average American.
Something must be done and soon. But we must look at our own backyard first. It’s unlikely that the developed nations will ever reduce their standard of living to equal the remaining people of the world. We must however, start the equalization process. Technology can help us reduce our footprint, but can not get us there on it’s own. We must reduce our consumption!
Your thoughts…
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Posted on August 14th, 2008 by Bruce
Blackout Day August 14th - 5th Anniversary
Five years ago today, 50 million people where given the chance to live without electricity when the northeastern region of the USA and Ontario lost power. 
Since that day, very little has been done to improve the electrical grid’s stability. Plans are in place to add new transmission lines and generating capacity, but these additions take years to implement. Thankfully, the new additions to the grid will permit several Wind Turbine projects in the area to added to the generating system.
Many people pledged to reduce their electrical consumption during the Blackout. But their resolve faded quickly once the power was restored. Only recently has this resolve started to return as people become more aware of the impact of their actions. A group of individuals from Mississauga have created a website to remember BlackoutDay and offer suggestions.
You can make a difference! What are you doing to reduce your electrical usage?
Suggestions for electrical conservation: Conserving Energy
Chart of how much CO2 is produced to make 1 kilowatt/hour of electricity: CO2 By State/Province
Greening the Electrical Grid: Options to Green the Green - Solar Thermal
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Posted on August 13th, 2008 by Bruce
Population growth slows - Consumption increases
Fred Pearce, in a blog for Yale Environment 360, points out that population growth has dramatically decreased over the past few years.
”A generation ago, the world fertility rate was around six kids per woman. Today it is 2.6, which is getting close to the level needed just to maintain the current population long-term. Allowing for girls who don’t make it to adulthood, that is around 2.3.”
This trend to slower population growth is indeed good news. But we still need to focus on CONSUMPTION. As countries increase their standard of living, consumption of the earth’s resources increases at an alarming rate. And who are we, (the “developed nations”) to tell those people living in poverty, that they can not improve their quality of life.
The earth can not support a universal standard of living, equivalent to what is now enjoyed by the developed nations. We must make significant reductions in our carbon footprint, reduce our standard of living - return to a simple, slower pace of life. Technology alone, will not solve this issue.
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Posted on August 9th, 2008 by Bruce
A Green Roof has many Benefits
Green Roofs and Green Walls have been common place in Europe for centuries. Now North America is 
starting to catch on. A living roof or wall not only adds beauty to a building but has many additional benefits for the owner and the environment.
Benefits include:
- longer lifespan for the roof through reduced exposure to the sun’s UV rays and reduction of extreme temperature ranges
- the plants remove pollutants and greenhouse gases from the air improving the environment for everyone
- reduced costs for heating and cooling
Additional benefits are listed here: Benefits of Green Roofs
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Posted on August 6th, 2008 by Bruce
Green Walls - grow your veggies
A traditional garden can be a great provider of food. But what are your options if you don’t have the space? Try a “green wall” or “vertical garden“.
Growing a few herbs in a pot or planter can add freshness and flavor to your meals. But why not expand this small garden patch. Many vegetables will do very well in soil or hydroponics.
Plant tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, beets, etc., in pots and planters which can be set on the floor, shelves or hung from above.
Climbing plants such as peas, beans, cucumbers, melons, etc., can be started at the base of a wall and given support via a trellis, cables/wires, and fences. Tie them loosely as they grow. The fruit of melons will need additional support - make a ledge under the fruit or tie it in a sling.
Pay attention to sunlight and plant your veggies based on the direct light or shade that you have available. A bit of light and water works miracles. Enjoy!
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Posted on August 4th, 2008 by Bruce
More Pure Electric Vehicles soon to be available
Can we officially put a steak in the SUV and 4-Wheel Vehicles? Hybrids are coming on strong and happily, 
the number of pure electric plug-in vehicles that will be available in the next couple of years is steadily increasing.
VW have shown interest in the Oscar (Open Systems CAR), a demonstration unit. Tesla has finally started to deliver their high-end electric sports car and Think have announced plans to import their Think City car to California.
Aptera, Miles Electric Vehicles and Mitsubishi are also in the field…. all good signs of what’s headed our way. Now we just need the patience to wait…..
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