My Green Switch Was Flicked On

I was watching Live Earth, I said, Self, what can you do for the environment? So I created this blog. I do a fair bit but I'm running out of ideas. I'm hoping people post comments or suggestions. Let's all do a couple of things to make the EARTH better.



Things I've done to help the environment:

1 Replaced 21 light bulbs with CFL's.
2 Put a few lights on motion detectors.
3 Use a real coffee mug and silverware at my desk.
4 Only buy fair trade and/or organic coffee.
5 Only buy organic produce and meat.
6 On the 100 mile diet. (90% Compliant)
7. Use my own grocery bag.
8. Try to buy products with less packaging.
9. Switched to paperless banking/bill payment.
10 Don't use air conditioning.
11. Take public transit.
12. Unplug instant on stuff, except for VCR and alarm clock.
13. Buy only sustainable power from Bullfrog.
14. Switched to Ice Melter instead of salt.
15. Offset the rest of my emmisions with a carbon credit.

Green things I still need to do:

1 Get rid of my extra beer fridge. (I don't know about this because I brew my own and it need's to be refrigerated.)
2. Quit smoking. (OK, so I'm working on this now)
3. Buy a hybrid. (So, I couldn't buy a hybrid this time cause I had to get a work truck but, I'll limit my driving and will buy a hybrid for personal use at a later date)

Please Note: I am not a writer. Most of these articles are shared from other sources. Please use the links provided to get the whole article from the source site. Please support these sites too! We all have a role to play.

Where I'm At Now

I've decided that organic may not be the way to go. What's the sense of shipping an organic product 3,000 miles if I can find a locally produced item? OK, so it may not be organic but I guess it's a balance between chemicals to grow or chemicals to ship. I've actually found local chicken, beef, pork, lamb and goat, all naturally raised, antibiotic free and free range where applicable. I've managed to find local potatoes, yams, carrots, onions and garlic all winter. I also have a local hydroponic lettuce grower and besides lettuce he grows cucumber, bell peppers and tomatoes.

I've switched to Bullfrog Power. Bullfrog uses only environmentally sustaining power sources like wind as well as low-impact hydro-electric.

I've also discovered Guerrilla Gardening. Take over an abandoned patch and make it grow. Stay tuned.

Well this year, I've decided to post more about what I'm doing. I'll still have cool products once in a while, especially if I've tried or switched to them.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Water-fuel car unveiled in Japan


The car has an energy generator that extracts hydrogen from water that is poured into the car's tank. The generator then releases electrons that produce electric power to run the car. Genepax, the company that invented the technology, aims to collaborate with Japanese manufacturers to mass produce it. More here, http://thoughtsonglobalwarming.blogspot.com/2008/06/those-crazy-japanese-car-unveiled-that.html

Wind Lifted by Higher Tariffs in Germany


The wind energy sector in Germany has been given a big boost by an amendment to the country's renewable energy law. Under the new law set to come into force on January 1, 2009, the feed-in tariff for onshore wind farms will be increased from EUR 7.9 to 9.2 cents/kilowatt-hour (kWh) while the tariff for offshore wind will go up to EUR 13 cents/kWh. Read here, http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52794

Sunday, June 22, 2008

$2000 "Wind Turbine in a Box" for Homeowners Unveiled


The innovative wind turbine is the first major launch of a commercial product from the Grand Valley State University energy center in Muskegon. Plans are to sell the turbine at home improvement stores for less than $2,000 to homeowners. Read more here, http://www.worldofrenewables.com/index.php?do=viewarticle&artid=1930&title=invention-will-bring-wind-energy-home

Lightweight Hungarian three-seater gets 117mpg in the city!


Hungary is not generally known as a hotbed of automotive development, although Audi does have a factory there that builds many of its engines. A new prototype vehicle from the former Soviet block state, though, provides a very interesting look at some possible future transportation. More here, http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/06/19/lightweight-hungarian-three-seater-gets-117mpg-in-the-city/

Monday, June 16, 2008

Second Tallest Building in the World to be Chicago Spire - Will be Green!


Chicago (TGW) – Foundation work has begun on the Chicago Spire, a rotating residential building that is likely to achieve an LEED Gold Rating.
More here, http://thoughtsonglobalwarming.blogspot.com/2008/06/second-tallest-building-in-world-to-be.html

Next Generation Wind Turbine Unveiled Which Supposedly Breaks $1 a Watt Barrier


HOUSTON, June 2, 2008 – Renewable energy from the wind, which previously could only be generated in restricted geographic locations – typically off-shore or in remote rural areas – can now be made available almost anywhere, including urban environments, with the introduction of the AeroCam wind turbine. Read here, http://www.broadstarwindsystems.com/news_pr_2008_06_02.php

Honda's new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car


From CNN
TAKANEZAWA, Japan (AP) -- Honda's new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car rolled off a Japanese production line Monday and is headed to southern California, where Hollywood is already abuzz over the latest splash in green motoring.The FCX Clarity, which runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water and none of the gases believed to induce global warming. It is also two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a standard gasoline-powered car, the company says.Honda expects to lease out a "few dozen" units this year and about 200 units within a year. In California, a three-year lease will run $600 a month, which includes maintenance and collision coverage.Among the first customers are actress Jamie Lee Curtis and filmmaker husband Christopher Guest, actress Laura Harris, film producer Ron Yerxa, as well as businessmen Jon Spallino and Jim Salomon."It's so smooth," said Harris, who played villainness Marie Warner on the hit TV show "24." "It's like a future machine, but it's not."Harris, Spallino and Yerxa were flown to the ceremony, courtesy of Honda. Yerxa says he's excited to show off the car and believes there's "a lot of interest."The biggest obstacles standing in the way of wider adoption of fuel cell vehicles are cost and the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations. For the Clarity's release in California, Honda said it received 50,000 applications through its Web site but considered only buyers living near hydrogen fuel stations in Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine."This is indeed a historic day for both Honda and American Honda - a new chapter in our nearly fifty-year history in America," said John Mendel, a senior vice president at America Honda Motor Co. at a morning ceremony here. "It's an especially significant day for American Honda as we plant firm footsteps toward the mainstreaming of fuel cell cars."Initially, however, the Clarity will go only to a chosen few starting July and then launch in Japan this fall.Although Honda Motor Co. (HMC) was the first Japanese automaker to launch a gas-electric hybrid vehicle in the U.S. in 1999, it has been outpaced by the dominance of Toyota's (TM) popular Prius.Toyota announced in May that it has sold more than 1 million Prius hybrids, while both the Honda Insight and the hybrid Accord have been discontinued due to poor sales.The FCX Clarity is part of Honda's plan to keep pace with rivals in green technology. It also plans to launch a gas-electric hybrid-only model, as well as hybrid versions of the Civic, the sporty CR-Z and Fit subcompact.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Shower curtains spew harmful chemicals: Report


As many as 100 harmful chemicals are released into the air from PVC shower curtains, according to a study released this morning. Read more here, http://yourhome.ca/homes/article/442068

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Marine Ecotourism


Marine tourism is becoming bigger every year, especially since fishy documentaries like The Blue Planet hit our screens. Sir David Attenborough, presenter of The Blue Planet and god of all docos, has done more for the underwater world than Neptune… probably. He manages to turn even a dead flapping fish into something extraordinarily interesting and so people have fallen for all things marine hook, line and sinker. More here, http://www.ecotourismlogue.com/marine-ecotourism/

Monday, June 9, 2008

SAVING WATER: What does the WaterSense label mean to your remodel?


Using water-efficient products we can save both our environment and money. WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is making it easy for all of us homeowners to find and select water-efficient products. Read more here, http://www.getwithgreen.com/2008/06/06/saving-water-what-does-the-watersense-label-mean-to-your-remodel/

Toyota develops improved hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle


TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said on Friday it has developed an advanced fuel-cell vehicle that can run for 830 km (516 miles) on a single tank of hydrogen and in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Celsius below freezing (-22 F). More here, http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUST31284420080606?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&sp=true

Friday, June 6, 2008

Utilities Owning, Buying More Wind, Planning for Carbon Regulations


Utilities are increasingly embracing wind -- owning their own facilities, buying wind-generated electricity from other producers, and even factoring future carbon regulation into their financial equations, said expert participants on a utility panel at WINDPOWER 2008. Read more here, http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52676

The Most Dangerous Species In The Sea


This cool ad by Klas Ernflo was commissioned by the Government of Catalunya to raise environmental awareness and help keep the Mediterranean sea clean. The lists off the most dangerous species (of pollution), their origin and their destructive behavior. Each offending piece of litter is shaped like a sea creature. More, http://greenupgrader.com/1830/the-most-dangerous-species-in-the-mediterranean/

OriginOil Develops Portable Modular Round-the-Clock Algae Biodiesel System


On the heels of a breakthrough which the company claims will make algae oil farming a true competitor to petroleum, OriginOil has filed two patents that may make the production of fuel products from algae incredibly cheap and easy in the near future. Read more here, http://gas2.org/2008/06/03/originoil-develops-portable-modular-round-the-clock-algae-biodiesel-system/

Thursday, June 5, 2008

I'm crying


I'm crying. I'm pissed. I'm angry.
I thought if I changed a lightbulb, I could make a difference.
I thought if I bought local made products, I could make a difference.
I thought if I recycled or composted everything I could make a difference.
I thought if I started a blog or Facebook group, I could make a difference.
I thought if I could convince 1 person we were contributing to the destruction of our planet, I could make a difference.
I was inspired by LIve Earth to do something.
I changed a few bulbs.
I was inspired by the Shelter Valley Folk Festival to do something.
I changed to the 100 Mile Diet.
I was inspired by Al Gore to do something.
I changed my lifestyle.
But as I write this there are still tears in my eyes.
I've just watched Sharkwater.
I have never considered myself to be an activist.
I thought I was just doing what I could to be a better person.
I've made my wife put up with a lot of changes.
You just can't grow oranges in Canada.
You can only buy a few lettuce leaves in February.
She has to carry heavy returnable glass bottles of milk.
Half the back yard is gone so I can grow a few vegetables.
All most all our activities take the environment into consideration.
I'm going to buy a hybrid soon.
I've stopped buying bottled water.
I've stopped eating veal and KFC.
I'm switching to Bullfrog power at home.
I've eliminated most of my phantom power sources.
I take a locally produced lunch to work 3 times a week, usually.
We are supposed to be an intelligent species.
We should be able to look at what we are doing and fix it.
We should be able to see that some of the earth's problems are our fault.
But right now, I ashamed to be human.
But, I've just watched Sharkwater.
So, I'm going to ask you all to watch it.
http://www.sharkwater.com/

Boxing in Green Wine


Vineyards are perhaps one of the most entrepreneurial of ventures.
Long the dream of many a corporate worker and the fulfillment of one by celebrities and those willing to spend lots of hours and lots of dollars to make it successful, wine is in the green news this week. Read here, http://ecopreneurist.com/2008/06/02/boxing-in-green-wine/

Ecotourism Project Ideas

What is an Ecotourism Project?

The intention of an ecotourism project is to conserve and protect a specific habitat through research, education and tourist interaction. More, http://www.ecotourismlogue.com/ecotourism-projects/ecotourism-project-ideas.html

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Geothermal Electricity Booming in Germany


Electricity from geothermal sources is set to soar in Germany -- and all thanks to a law that has made drilling wells deep enough to hit the hot temperature water, which is needed to produce electricity, financially viable. More here, http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52588

California School Sees Benefits of Solar Energy


California is home to some of the best solar resources in the U.S., a fact not lost on its residents and policy makers when it comes to adopting and supporting solar energy. One application for solar that is becoming increasingly popular in California is using photovoltaics to power schools. More, http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52624

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Hawaii Law Requires All New Homes Install Solar Hot Water Heaters


All new homes built in Hawaii will be required to install solar hot water heaters beginning in 2010, cutting energy costs by 30%. The state of Hawaii has a goal of at least 70 percent renewable energy use by 2030. Read more here, http://ecoscraps.com/2008/06/01/hawaii-law-requires-all-new-homes-install-solar-hot-water-heaters/

EcoGeeks get all the girls


Just in case you needed another reason to care about the environment: It turns out girls dig guys who dig environmental technology. More here, http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/539/ecogeeks-get-all-the-girls.html


Plant waste biofuels benefit from food debate


TORONTO (Reuters) - In the search for renewable energy, turning

low-value materials like switchgrass and corn husks into ethanol to fuel cars is something of a Holy Grail. More here, http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080602/wl_canada_nm/canada_ba_energy_cellulose_col_4

Monday, June 2, 2008

This is cool. I think I'll find a place to do it.


Guerrilla gardener movement takes root in L.A. area

BRIMMING with lime-hued succulents and a lush collection of agaves,

one shooting spiky leaves 10 feet into the air, it's a head-turning garden smack in the middle of Long Beach's asphalt jungle. But the gardener who designed it doesn't want you to know his last name, since his handiwork isn't exactly legit. It's on a traffic island he commandeered. Read here,

Untouched Native Amazon Tribe


Recently an un-contacted (by "civilized man") tribe was found in the far west reaches of Brazil’s Amazon Basin on the Peruvian border. They were photographed by aircraft and are seen painted bright red pointing their bow and arrow weapons at the craft in defense! Read more here and see a few pictures, http://greenupgrader.com/1694/news/amazing-photos-untouched-native-amazon-tribe/

The Th!nk City in North-America


More news about the Th!nk City have been coming in since we last talked about it in April. The EV that really drives like a car will be sold for a rumored sub-$25 000 price point in showrooms across North-America in 2009. They plan to be selling 50,000 vehicles a year. More, http://www.talkgreen.ca/the-think-city-in-north-america/

I've Started The 100 Mile Diet

Here is a sample market run. Not all of this is available during the winter

All Produce was Local & Organic, Lettuce - Romaine, Red Leaf & Green Leaf
Celery, Peppers - Green, Orange, Red & PURPLE, Radish, Green Onion, Cucumber
(That's my weekly salad stuff)

Spinach, Swiss Chard, Peas, Corn, White and Sweet Potatoes
Onions, Apples, Pears
Lots more available but I didn't buy.

Dairy, All Local & Organic (Naturally Raised or Free Range)Milk (In Glass Bottles), Cheese, Butter, Eggs, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese,
Sour Cream & others available but I didn't buy.

Bread and Rolls, Organic but not all grains local. I've been baking my own too, using local if possible.

And for the Meat Eaters, All Local & Naturally Raised
Chicken - Whole, Boneless & Skinless Cuts (Other Cuts Available)
Lamb Chops (Other Cuts Available)Pork Chops (Other Cuts Available)
Beef - Steak, Ground (Other Cuts Available)
There were other products such as Goat, Emu and others that I didn't buy.

Now, I know not everything is available to all but if you can replace half of your grocery list with local products you would be doing what you can as well as telling retailers you want local products.
I know I'll have a challenge in February. There won't be as much local produce available.
I've committed to starting a greenhouse garden in my basement and growing my salad.I'll let you know how that works out.
Barry

Update: June 2,2008

February produce was a challenge but I found lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber and tomatoes, all grown locally the hydroponic way. At least I had a small salad every day.

I don't have a basement greenhouse yet but I do have a backyard garden.

More later.

Update, August 18th 2008

Well the vegetable garden was a bust. I put in a 10' X 12' garden but I don't get enough sun in my yard. We have tomatoes and peppers in containers and they are doing much better. Looks like I need a new plan.

Update, September 12,2009

So gardening at my house is out. Too shady.
I switched to Bullfrog Power a year ago. My hydro comes from wind and non destructive hydro-electric.
I gave up driving to work a year ago as well.

With a friend of mine, we started Earth Hour By The Dozen.
It's Earth Hour but we have it on the 4th Saturday of every month.

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