Solar getting closer to going mainstream

In the Seattle Pi there's a mention of Boeing's subsidary Spectrolab developing solar cells for the public market. With an improved of efficiency of 40% compared to the 16% in most solar products. This could bring solar cells in range of being cost competitive with gas. Read more in the Pi

solar, renewable, alternative energy, solar power

Stop global warming and save on your utility bills

Today we had a energy audit by our utility company. No we're not in trouble with our utility company, they have a conservation program to help customers save energy and money.

Even though our house is new they showed us ways we can save:

• Using compact flourescent bulbs
• Low flow shower heads and faucet aerators
  
• A programmable thermostat
• Install timers on bath fans
  

Older houses can save in many more ways

• Increased insulation since heating is usually your biggest expense
  
• weather stripping
• Energy star Appliances
• Check out how much your appliances cost to run
  

I would highly recommend an energy audit if you have an older house. There have been many advances in saving energy and you could save lots of money on your bills and cut down on your carbon emissions.

A great resource to saving energy at home is the book: Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings

global warming, climatechange, environment, saving energy, saving money, emissions reduction

Global warming march - Save the Date!

Power to the people! "Step it up" is an organized march to be held on April 14th across the United States to demand congress take action on climate change. So grab your friends and family and take it to the streets!

Find the march near you, go to stepitup2007.org

global warming, climatechange, environment, march, rally, protest

Improving Washington's Climate Change Action Plan

Sierra Club’s Cool State Campaign goal is to bring Washington state's climate change goals to a higher level. If you are a Washington State resident, email or write a letter to Governor Gregoire asking her to lead WA to 80% reductions of greenhouse gases by 2050.

The governor has made some progress but we can do more:

• A legally binding commitment to reduce global warming pollution 60-80% of current levels by 2050.

• Reduce the use of coal and other fossil fuels in our electricity generation
• Evaluate and assess all state-funded projects -- particularly transportation projects -- to ensure they are helping us reduce global warming pollution.

Email Governor Gregoire today!

Technocrati tags: global warming, climatechange,washington state, seattle, Governor Gregoire

The low carbon diet - Top five tips to taking off the carbons

Ok so you've put on a few extra carbons after the past year. Took one too many flights there, took one too many trips to the store and left the lights on too much. Global warming is keeping you up at night. What to do?

As with any diet we all want easy fast and big impact items to get those carbons off fast.
Here is my top 5 list:

1. Fly less - If you travel for work ask if there is a way to do a video conference. Otherwise look at other low carbon forms of travel such as travelling by train.
2. Drive less - walk, ride a bike, use public transportation. Too hard? Combine trips or carpool.
3. Buy used products or vintage - they are carbon neutral since they don't take any energy to be produced and plus best of all save you money.
4. Buy local produce - visit your local farmers market or ask your grocery store what's local. I was in a Whole Foods recently and was surprised to find Kiwi fruit grown on a near by island in February!
5. Go vegetarian - That Atkins diet will kill you any way so more local fruits and veggies the better. If you can't give up meat completely try a few vegetarian meals a week.
6. Cut your energy bill - Replace lights with Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and turn down your thermostat. Check with your utility for other ways to save.

Ok there's six, so I got carried away. Here's to a lighter you and lessening your impact on this planet.

Technocrati tags: global warming, climatechange, carbon
,co2, emissions reduction, environment

Urge your Representative to Support Renewable Energy

A new bill has been introduced in the congress calling for 20% of energy from utililities to come from renewable sources. By using Solar, wind, geothermal and energy from crops we could reduce our use of fossil fuels and reduce our carbon emissions that cause global warming.

The Union of Concerned Scientists have a easy to fill out form to ask your congressman or woman to vote for it. So what are you waiting for? Ask them!


Technorati tags: global warming, renewable energy, solar power, alternative energy, green power

Battle of the hybrids

In this corner, the sleek new Civic Hybrid. In the other corner, the iconic
Toyota Prius. Which one is for you? Check out the Seattle Times comparison review of these two heavy weights on nwautos.com

Also take a look at their new fuel economy guide. Which lists the top fuel efficient cars and trucks.

Full disclosure: I work for nwautos.com so of course I want to give them
props for moving in a green direction.


Technorati tags: Hybrid, Prius