Piece of Mind

Straw Bale Along the Coast to Slow the Oil

2010-06-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Interesting article by Andrew Morrison about using straw bales for helping slow the oil coming into the Gulf shores.
http://www.strawbale.com/gulf-oil-spill
Read on:

As some of you may know, straw bales are used as erosion control all the time during construction projects. They are used to form silt traps, like the one shown here. The concept is that the water is slowed down, but still flows through the bale. The straw which is netted in a web within the bale, traps the silt and doesn’t allow it to move through. I believe the same system could work for the oil that is floating along the surface of the water. If bales were set all along the coast line, they would act like silt traps or sponges and soak up the oil. If they didn’t actually soak up the oil, they would certainly slow down the water and cause the oil to accumulate at the face of the bales. This would make it thicker and easier to collect, as one of the big issues with this spill is the fact that the oil itself is thin and does not collect easily.

I hope that somebody reading this can get it in front of the right people. The woman who originally asked the question has contacted the National Geographic Society, and as I said earlier, I’ve asked my friend who lives in New Orleans to contact people locally who may be interested in the idea. Please help us get the word out and create a line of defense along our coast lines in the South. Remember, you can still go to certain areas around Valdez, Alaska and find oil 6″ to 12″ down in hand dug holes. That’s a long term disaster I’d like to not see repeated.

About the Author
Andrew Morison is a specialist in straw bale and green construction. He has shown thousands of people how to build their own straw bale projects through his comprehensive series of instructional straw bale, concrete foundation, and plastering DVDs. You can check these out at http://www.LearnStrawBale.com.

Straw Bale Home for Sale

2010-06-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is selling her straw bale home in Winchester, CA. This is a wonderful home that she put a lot of love and passion into building. Anyone would be lucky to have it. This a very unique opportunity to purchase a completed straw bale home.

Here is the info from the MLS:

Built in 2004, this Wonderfully Unique and Custom Built Straw Bale Home rests on 4.82 Acres. This is a one of a kind opportunity to own an extremely energy efficient, country home with all the conveniences of the city just minutes away (Menifee Marketplace Shopping Center and Loma Linda Hospital). This Santa Fe style home makes use of a solar water heater and a solar wall heater. Two additional Solar panels generate electricity and significantly reduce electric bills. Property includes a permitted 12X32 workshop with a 35 AMP electrical outlet. Horses and/or other livestock are allowed. Live affordably in a house with some real character. See it today!

More Info: http://www.mrmlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=8665307830

Recycle Wine Corks at Whole Foods

2010-05-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can recycle corks at Whole Foods?

Why recycle cork? Cork is a 100% natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable material that is obtained through an environmentally friendly harvesting process. It can be reused in numerous processes: Besides corks, cork is used in everything from shoes, to dart and bulletin boards, furniture, insulation, craft materials, buoys, instruments, fishing rods, tiles flooring, sports equipment and even to create a composite concrete. There is no need for them to end up in landfills.

Cork Tree Fact: Trees are not cut down to harvest cork, rather, the bark is stripped by hand every 9-12 years. Cork oak trees can live up to 300 years!

Earth Day 2010

2010-03-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day 2010. How do you plan to celebrate?

Find an event that fits you:

* Global Days of Service - April 17-18 - Join millions around the globe to make your community and the world cleaner and more sustainable.
* The Climate Rally - National Mall, Washington DC - April 25th, 2010
* Environmental Arts
* Athletes for the Earth
* EarthFair 2010, April 18, San Diego, CA - EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world
* Earth Day Crafts for kids and families
* Find an event in your community

What do you plan on doing to celebrate Earth Day 2010?

Article © Lisa A. Swan, Design Forward

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Earth Hour 2010: Millions Turn off Lights for Earth Hour

2010-03-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Earth Hour, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), saw millions of people switch off their lights for an hour this weekend.

Some of the world's best known landmarks -- including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and Rome's Colosseum -- participated on March 27, 2010 at 8:30pm local time, following Sydney's Opera House and Beijing's Forbidden City. In the United States, the lights went out at the Empire State Building in New York, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and the Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, among many other sites in the Eastern time zone.

Earth Hour was considered success on west coast. Symbolic lights turned off on Las Vegas Strip and LAX entrance.

Anyone who has been to Los Angeles International Airport in the evening knows about the pillars of light that stand at the beginning of the property. These lights normally portray the different colors and give the passing people something interesting to view. On Saturday for an hour, in a symbolic gesture, the lights were turned off for 'Earth Hour.'

In Las Vegas, many of the lights on the Strip were flipped off at 8:30 too. Again showing the power of shutting down the lights for 60 minutes to stress conservation and participate in the 'Earth Hour.'

In the end, it is not about the energy saved during that hour. It's about the message of awareness that will be spread. From a child asking why the lights are off, to leaders who read the message loud and clear. As more and more people join the effort, the awareness grows... and hopefully people will continue to understand that energy saving measures can be made by each and every one of us.

The image above shows the Empire State Building (L) in New York, Big Ben (C) in London and the Eiffel Tower (R) in Paris with lights turned off during "Earth Hour". -Photo by AFP

Article © gather.com & buffalorising.com

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Solar Roads: The Greatest Pipe Dream Yet

2010-02-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

Over 5.7 million miles of highway stretch across America alone. The carbon footprint produced by the machinery needed for salting and snow removal of these paved roads is almost immeasurable. With the world's attention focused on the climate crisis industry has shifted toward developments in renewable resources.

The sun, which is an unequivocal provider of all life energy, is now the inspiration behind an ambitious project one small Idaho company hopes will someday be responsible for cutting greenhouse gases in half. The project, which is already in phase I of its development is to create "a series of structurally-engineered solar panels that are driven upon", or ‘solar-roadways', as creators Scott and Julie Brusaw have dubbed them.

The idea is to replace all current petroleum-based asphalt roads, parking lots, and driveways with Solar Road Panels that collect and store solar energy to be used by our homes and businesses. This renewable energy replaces the need for the current fossil fuels used by the generation of electricity. Getting the project off the ground was no easy task and securing funding, even for Phase I of production was a challenge. "Getting the Phase I contract was mainly about physically writing the proposals to get it approved for funding; to prove that these panels were feasible. When I first came up with the idea, my team was invited by the Department of Transportation in Virginia to come out and present for them, and so we did. They were excited about the project and asked a lot of questions, soon after we applied for funding", says co-creator, Scott Brusaw. The funding they received was a $100,000 grant from the Dept of Transportation to build a prototype, "I'm madly ordering parts as fast as I can," says Scott.

As asphalt and tar have never been credited as unparalleled engineering it is easy to understand that solar panel highways will require a level of complexity not yet considered for roadways. The panels are said to consist of three layers. The base will contain power and data lines and is overlaid with the electronics strata that contain solar cells, LEDs and super-capacitors which would produce and store electricity.

The LED's would provide ‘paint' for the highways and be able to communicate messages such as ‘slow' or ‘detour ahead' with the use of lights brought to the surface. The top layer will be made of glass that would provide the same traction as asphalt.

Even more impressive would be their ability to heat up, melting ice from the road, "Our target date to finish Phase I is February 12, 2010. During this demonstration the snow should be falling where we are, allowing us to demonstrate how the panels' heating elements can melt snow or ice. We will videotape everything and put it up on our website."

Though entirely ingenious the project has some obvious flaws, for which solutions are being furiously researched. Solar panels are notoriously fragile and would not be able to withstand the weight of even light vehicles. "We are trying to work on developing a type of glass that would be able to withstand the pressure of trucks and other vehicles driving over it daily. This glass that we're going to be layering over the panels needs to have enough grip and not be slippery, especially in rain or snow. We have partnered with Pennsylvania State University to develop the glass surface for our panels, and they're going to be testing it using 80,000-lb. trucks."

Though the price tag for implanting solar roads throughout the country is estimated at an unworldly $35 trillion, the Brusaw's hope that funding from Phase II of their contract will allow them to start implementing solar panels in parking lots of businesses, and possibly begin mass-producing them shortly after.

The product has received widespread interest globally from countries wanting to build plants. "We're getting requests from all around the world, from countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Czech Republic contacted us just last week about possibly having some of their people visit our site, and once this project here gets off the ground, and we have plants that are mass-producing the panels for the roads, they would like to have some of their employees come over here for 2-3 years and see how everything works, and to gain confidence in getting the project off the ground over there as well."

Sure they will be ploughing the snow from our roads this year, but keep in mind they laughed at the light bulb and said man was never meant to fly.

Jennifer Maclellan is the Senior Writer for the Green Guide Network. You can contact her at jennifer@greenguidenetwork.com.

Sources:

www.solarroadways.com

Interview with Scott Brusaw conducted by Danielli Marfori, Creative Intern for the Green Guide Network.

Article & Picture © GreenGuideNetwork.com

Tree Selection Guide

2010-02-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

The Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has a tree selection application available on the web: http://selectree.calpoly.edu/attribute_search.lasso

SelecTree for California is an interactive tree selection program designed to match specific trees to specific applications such as Max Height, Flower Color, Longevity, Disease Resistance, Attracts Wildlife, etc. The Tree Selection Guide listis 1,481 trees with up to 49 attributes and over 6,050 photos for 1,068 trees available from tree detail records. Search by tree attribute or by name.

Article © Lisa A. Swan, Design Forward

Building With Whole Trees

2009-12-30T22:02:00.000-08:00

Roald Gundersen, an architect who may revolutionize the building industry, shinnied up a slender white ash near his house here on a recent afternoon, hoisting himself higher and higher until the limber trunk began to bend slowly toward the forest floor.

"Look at Papa!" his life and business partner, Amelia Baxter, 31, called to their 3-year-old daughter, Estella, who was crouching in the leaves, reaching for a mushroom. Their son, Cameron, 9 months, was nestled in a sling across Ms. Baxter's chest.

Wild mushrooms and watercress are among the treasures of this 134-acre forest, but its greatest resource is its small-diameter trees - thousands like the one Mr. Gundersen, 49, was hugging like a monkey.

"Whooh!" he said, jumping to the ground and gingerly rubbing his back. "This isn't as easy as it used to be. But see how the tree holds the memory of the weight?"

The ash, no more than five inches thick, was still bent toward the ground. Mr. Gundersen will continue to work on it, bending and pruning it over the next few years in this forest which lies about 10 miles east of the Mississippi River and 150 miles northwest of Madison.

Loggers pass over such trees because they are too small to mill, but this forester-architect, who founded Gundersen Design in 1991 and built his first house here two years later, has made a career of working with them.

"Curves are stronger than straight lines," he explained. "A single arch supporting a roof can laterally brace the building in all directions."

The firm, recently renamed Whole Tree Architecture and Construction, is also owned by Ms. Baxter, a onetime urban farmer and community organizer with a knack for administration and fundraising. She also manages a community forest project modeled after a community-supported agriculture project, in which paying members harvest sustainable riches like mushrooms, firewood and watercress from these woods, and those who want to build a house can select from about 1,000 trees, inventoried according to species, size and shape, and located with global positioning system coordinates, a living inventory that was paid for with a $150,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.

According to research by the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, run by the USDA, a whole, unmilled tree can support 50 percent more weight than the largest piece of lumber milled from the same tree. So Mr. Gundersen uses small-diameter trees as rafters and framing in his airy structures, and big trees felled by wind, disease or insects as powerful columns and curving beams.

Taking small trees from a crowded stand in the forest is much like thinning carrots in a row: the remaining plants get more light, air and nutrients. Carrots grow longer and straighter; trees get bigger and healthier.

And when the trees are left whole, they sequester carbon. "For every ton of wood, a ton and a half of carbon dioxide is locked up," he said, whereas producing a ton of steel releases two to five tons of carbon. So the more whole wood is used in place of steel, the less carbon is pumped into the air.

These passive solar structures also need very little or no supplemental heat.

Tom Spaulding, the executive director of Angelic Organics Learning Center, near Rockford, Ill., northwest of Chicago, knows about this because he commissioned Mr. Gundersen to build a 1,600-square-foot training center in 2003. He said: "In the middle of winter, on a 20-below day, we're in shorts, with the windows and doors open. And we don't burn a bit of petroleum."

"It's eminently more frugal and sustainable than milling trees," he added. "These are weed trees, so when you take them out, you improve the forest stand and get a building out of it. You haven't stripped an entire hillside out west to build it, or used a lot of oil to transport the lumber."

Mr. Gundersen had a rough feeling for all of this 16 years ago, when he started building a simple A-frame house here for his first wife and their son, Ian, now 15. He wanted to encourage local farmers to use materials like wood and straw from their own farms to build low-cost, energy-efficient structures. So he used small aspens that were crowding out young oaks nearby.

"I would just carry them home and peel them," said Mr. Gundersen, who later realized he could peel them while they were standing, making them "a lot lighter to haul and not so dangerous to fell."

Mr. Gundersen, who built most of the house singlehandedly, also recognized the beauty of large trees downed by disease or wind, and used the peeled trunks, shorn of their central branches a few feet from the crook, as supporting columns in the house. "I thought they were beautiful, but I didn't think how strong they were," he said

Article © Anne Raver, NY Times. Picture © Paul Kelley, NY Times

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Christmas Tree Recycling

2009-12-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

What Are Your Recycling Choices?

After the holidays, don't throw your natural tree away! Here are some tips on what to do with your tree after the holidays. In general, you have these options:

1. Curbside pick-up for recycling - Most areas will collect trees during their regular pickup schedules on the 2 weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc.
2. Call for an appointment to have a non-profit in your area pickup your tree. Some boy scout troops are offering a pickup service for a small donation (often $5).
3. Take your tree to a drop off recycling center. Most counties have free drop-off locations throughout the county. Usually, you may take up to two trees to any of the following drop-off locations at no charge.
4. Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.

Other tips and ideas

* Removing the tree: The best way to avoid a mess removing your tree is to place a plastic tree bag (which are available at hardware stores) underneath the stand when you set the tree up! You can hide it with a tree skirt. Then, when the holidays are done, pull the bag up around the tree, stand and all, and carry it outside. Obviously, you will want to remove the stand before recycling the tree. If some needles do scatter inside, it is better to sweep them up; as needles can clog vacuum cleaners.
* Tree Recycling / Mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Check below on this page or with your local department of public works for information. They chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Your hauler will notify you of pick-up dates in your area. There are a few things you must do to make your tree ready for RECYCLING. Here are some general tips - but be sure to check with your local hauler - these are just general guidelines! To find your local hauler:
If it is Waste Management Inc (WM), click here to find your Local WM Service Provider's Website - or click here to contact your Local WM Customer Service Center by Phone - find the 1-800 number of your Local Customer Service Center
If your local hauler is AW / BFI (Allied Waste) - Click here to locate the contact information for your local hauler.
* Soil erosion barriers: Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management (Louisiana does both).
* Fish feeders: Sunk into private fish ponds trees make excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.
* Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed). Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper. See this article from Perdue University for more information.
* Mulch: A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden. If you have a neighbor with a chip, see if he will chip it for you.
* Paths for Hiking Trails: Some counties use the shredded trees as a free, renewable and natural path material that fits both the environment and the needs of hikers!
* Living, rooted trees: Of course, next year, you could get a rooted (ball and burlapped or containerized) tree and then plant it in your yard after Christmas (It's a good idea to pre-dig the hole in the late Fall while the soil is still soft, then plant the tree into that hole immediately after Christmas.) NOTE: Living trees have a better survival rate in mild climates, than in a northern area.
* Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Pines, firs and other evergreens have a high content of flammable turpentine oils. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and risk a chimney fire.

Article © pickyourown.org

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Eco Gift Ideas: Beyond the Stores

2009-11-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, remember there are more options than just what you can find in the stores. Here are some ideas for the socially conscious person on your list this year.

Offer gifts that don't involve buying anything. For example, time together, a back rub, babysitting, offer to teach something you know how to do (e.g., making candles), donation to charity, seeds from your garden, tickets to an event (musical, lecture series, play, concert, etc.), organic house cleaning service, gift certificates for spas, music downloads, movie downloads, etc.

Other gift ideas:

* Give the gift that keeps on growing -- a tree!
* Buy gifts from Fair Trade Shops.
* Give alternative charity gifts or donate to your favorite charity in honor of someone
* Feed a child in honor of someone you love and support organization for fighting hunger.
* Consider purchasing gifts from companies focused on providing products which use renewable energy sources (i.e., solar powered radio or outdoor lighting).
* Purchase gifts made from reused and natural materials or find ideas for making your own eco gifts.
* Shop for gifts at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets.
* Donate to a local charity that is distributing holiday gifts for underprivileged children.
* Create sustainable gift baskets filled with sustainable gift items (e.g., compact fluorescent light bulbs, plastic bag dryer, organic cotton socks/scarfs/hats/etc., shower head with mist setting for lowest flow showers, organic and/or vegan snack items, organic cotton towels, shade grown coffee, fair trade gifts, solar battery charger, solar radio/flashlight, etc.)

Article © globalstewards.org

Eco Friendly Holiday Gifts

2009-11-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

This holiday season we have our top ten gifts ideas for 2009. Everything for the green geek to the eco baby, see what tops our list:

iPhone Solar Skin From NovoThink ($69.95) - Charge your iPhone from the sun with this innovative skin cover from solararcadia.com

SIGG Water Bottles ($21.99) - Swiss-made, leach-proof, safe water bottles. SIGG bottles are manufactured in an ecologically-friendly environment and are 100% recyclable after their very long lives.

bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers ($17.95) - It easy to switch to cloth diapers for your baby with washable, reusable diapers from Cotton Babies

Cascata Rain Water Collection and Storage System from Algreen ($199) - 65-gallon rain barrel makes saving rain water easy.

pb Bamboo Travel Blanket ($39.95) - Perfect for the traveler in your life. Bamboo is a
soft and smooth fabric that provides superior ventilation and wicking.

El Naturalista Women's Pump ($182) - A vegetable-tanned leather shoe with microfibra lining that is antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-odor.

Samsung Reclaim ($29.99 and up with contract) - The eco-friendly cell phone made from 80%
recycled materials.

Triple Home Recycle Bin from Get Organized ($75.88) - Stainless steel bin with color coded foot petals to keep your paper, plastic and glass separate.

Cork Furniture - Cork is a natural, sustainable, renewable, non-toxic material. Check out the designs by Corque

Sport Solar Oven ($135) - Solar cooking will roast meats, bake fish and chicken, steam veggies,
it can even bake cookies and cooks rice and pasta with only solar energy.

Article © Lisa A Swan, Design Forward

Green Investing

2009-10-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

This column by Yahoo's David Jackson, "The Green Investor" is a great place to start looking for a new way to invest your money.

Investing in green can improve our quality of life and improve the environment, while helping our bottom line. Green investing is becoming more mainstream everyday, and with it brings a host of financial opportunities.

By investing Green, you can support the companies and the technologies that are helping the environment while (hopefully) increasing your personal wealth. On a wider scale the growing trend of Green Investing can go so far as to influence policy decisions public companies make.

As with any investing, you can WIN or LOSE so do your research, but whether you are trying to save the world or looking for the next big Growth Industry to ignite your portfolio reading The Green Investor.

Article © greenUPGRADER

The Green Investor...

Waste Less Living

2009-10-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

Waste Less Living is a 'Zero-Waste' service that has an effective system for distributing, collecting, and then composting your waste from your next party or event.

They take the the waste generated at your party or event and turn it into a compost, instead of sending it to the trash. They help you identify potential sources of trash and recommend viable and economical alternatives to reduce your waste up-front. They then provide and deliver all the necessary tableware to your event site. Once the party is over, they collect all the tableware and food waste and compost it off-site for you.

So how does it work:
The kit contains biodegradable and 100% compostable plates, cups, utensils, napkins and trash bags. They deliver the kits, you use them, and they take your waste (tableware and food scraps) away for composting and not landfilling.

Their products are:

* Boidegradable and 100% compostable
* Made from renewable resources (i.e. corn, sugar, potatoes, post-consumer-waste paper, wheat, rice, bamboo)
* Eco-friendly alterantive to plastic, Styrofoam, and paper disposable tableware
* Reduce green house gases and other enviormental impacts
* Affordable

No more guilt about using disposables because your waste will be used to make more of the stuff. It's the perfect solution that is sustainable!

Article © Lisa A. Swan, Design Forward

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Natural Insecticides

2009-09-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

As you may be experiencing a increase of ants in your house or getting ready to plant a winter garden, here are some tips on natural pest control:

* Garlic control
* Orange Oil
* Mint, cloves, rosemary & thyme can be used as insecticides
* Insecticidal Soaps
* Neem Oil - Neem oil is used in gardens and landscapes against insects that chew on plants such as black vine weevil.
* Diatomaceous Earth - Diatomaceous earth is a dry, powdery material derived from the shells of marine organisms. It is used mainly to deter and kill crawling pests both indoors and outdoors.
* Boric Acid - Boric acid is used mainly in structural pest control against insects like termites, carpenter ants and powderpost beetles, and in baits for cockroaches. Boric acid is generally used in the borate form, often sodium borate.
* Vinegar and Salt

Article © Lisa A. Swan, Design Forward

Cloud-seeding ships could combat climate change

2009-09-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

It should be possible to counteract the global warming associated with a doubling of carbon dioxide levels by enhancing the reflectivity of low-lying clouds above the oceans, according to researchers in the US and UK. John Latham of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, US, and colleagues say that this can be done using a worldwide fleet of autonomous ships spraying salt water into the air.

Clouds are a key component of the Earth's climate system. They can both heat the planet by trapping the longer-wavelength radiation given off from the Earth's surface and cool it by reflecting incoming shorter wavelength radiation back into space. The greater weight of the second mechanism means that, on balance, clouds have a cooling effect.

'Twomey effect' boosts reflectivity

Latham's proposal, previously put forward by himself and a number of other scientists, involves increasing the reflectivity, or "albedo", of clouds lying about 1 km above the ocean's surface. The idea relies on the "Twomey effect", which says that increasing the concentration of water droplets within a cloud raises the overall surface area of the droplets and thereby enhances the cloud's albedo. By spraying fine droplets of sea water into the air, the small particles of salt within each droplet act as new centres of condensation when they reach the clouds above, leading to a greater concentration of water droplets within each cloud.

Latham and co-workers, including wave-energy researcher Stephen Salter of Edinburgh University, claim that such spraying could increase the rate at which clouds reflect solar energy back into space by as much as 3.7 Wm-2. This is the extra power per unit area that scientists say will arrive at the Earth's surface following a doubling of the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide compared to pre-industrial levels - 550 ppm vs 275 ppm (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A DOI:10.1098/rsta.2008.0137).

New spin on sailing

The 300-tonne unmanned ships used to seed the clouds would be powered by the wind, but would not use conventional sails. Instead they would be fitted with a number of 20 m-high, 2.5 m-diameter cylinders known as "Flettner rotors" that would be made to spin continuously. This spinning would generate a force perpendicular to the wind direction, propelling the ship forward if it is oriented at right angles to the wind (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2008.0136).

These rotors would be easier to operate remotely than sails and would also serve as the conduits for the upward spray, with the spray consisting of droplets 0.8 µm in diameter generated by passing sea water through micro nozzles. The power for the spray and the cylinder rotation would be provided by oversized propellers operating as turbines.

The immediate effect of seeding clouds in this way would be a local cooling of the sea surface, and as such the technique could be targeted at coral reefs, diminishing polar ice sheets or other vulnerable regions. However, the great thermal heat capacity of the ocean and the currents within it mean that these initial effects would eventually spread across the globe.

Fleet of 1500

Latham and colleagues calculate that, depending on exactly what fraction of low-level maritime clouds are targeted (with some regions, notably the sea off the west coasts of Africa and North and South America, more susceptible to this technique than others), around 1500 ships would be needed altogether to counteract a carbon doubling, at a cost of some £1m to £2m each. This would involve an initial fleet expanding by some 50 ships a year if the scheme is to keep in step with the current rate of increase in atmospheric carbon-dioxide levels.

This cloud-seeding proposal is one of a number of ideas put forward by scientists in recent years to "geoengineer" the Earth in response to climate change rather than, or as well as, deal with the causes of the change. A series of papers on several proposals, including Latham's, have been published in a recent issue of the journal Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A entitled Geoscale engineering to avert dangerous climate change.

Latham maintains that his group's idea is not pie in the sky and that its feasibility is supported by two of the world's leading computer climate models, as well as recently obtained experimental cloud data. He points out that, unlike rival techniques, the system could be used to vary the degree of cooling as required and could be switched off instantaneously if needed. However, he adds more research must be done to find out a number of unknowns - such as exactly what fraction of spray droplets will reach the clouds - and to establish that the technique would not create any harmful climatic side effects. More work must also be done on the spray technology, he says.

About the author

Edwin Cartlidge is a science journalist based in Italy

Article © Edwin Cartlidge, physicsworld.com

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Coolerado Hybrid A/C Wins Cooling Challenge Using 60 Percent Less Energy

2009-08-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

* Coolerado unit beat 2010 DOE efficiency standard by 60 percent
* Cooling capacity increases as outside temperature increase
* wo-year payback possible through energy savings, utility rebates and tax incentives

University of California, Davis issued a challenge to manufacturers to build more efficient air conditioners for the Western U.S. The objective was to exceed the 2010 U.S. Department of Energy efficiency standards by an aggressive 40 percent. Coolerado Corporation, the first certified winner of the UC Davis Western Cooling Challenge, entered the program with its new hybrid commercial rooftop unit - a system using its proprietary indirect evaporative technology in concert with a traditional compressor and refrigerant system. DOE laboratory testing indicates that Coolerado's new system, the Coolerado H80, beat the 2010 standards by 60 percent at peak demand and will use 80 percent less energy overall.

Testing revealed that the new H80 also has the Coolerado signature; cooling capacity increases as outside temperature increases - not typical of other systems. Eric Kozubal, senior mechanical engineer at the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory, conducted the testing and said, "In western climates, the Coolerado H80 provides cooling and ventilation for buildings at efficiency far above standard equipment available today. Laboratory testing shows that the H80 provides consistent cooling performance even when temperatures rise above 95 degrees."

"The UC Davis challenge also targeted water conservation, limiting water use for technologies that use evaporation as part of the cooling process," said Mark Modera, director of the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center. "The water allowance in the challenge was set such that water used at the air conditioner should be mitigated by the savings in water required to produce less power. DOE/NREL determined that the water use for the Coolerado H80 is less than the objective set by UC Davis and is about the same amount of water that will be used to generate electricity for a traditional air conditioner meeting the new DOE 2010 standard."

The H80 is the first system Coolerado is offering that includes dehumidification, recirculation and an option for heating. The H80 delivers over five tons of air conditioning at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equivalent to larger traditional systems that lose capacity as outside temperatures climb. In some extreme operating conditions and climates, the Coolerado H80 will deliver as much cooling as an eight-ton conventional system and will have an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) over 20.

Coolerado began taking H80 orders in August for delivery late this year and is currently building several units which will be delivered to Australia for installation during its cooling season (December). Customers may expect to realize a two-year payback on the price of the H80 through energy savings, utility rebates and tax incentives.

The unit that was initially tested at the DOE lab in Golden, Colorado is operational on a building at a college in Sacramento, California. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) will be monitoring the energy savings of the unit during the next several years.

Article & Picture © coolerado.com

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Clock Running Down on First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-08-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

According to a news report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the clock running down on the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and less than four months to go, builders are urging qualified prospective buyers to start the sales process long before the Nov. 30 deadline.

Faulty appraisals that have been using foreclosed properties as comparables for new homes have been slowing down the sales process in many instances, builders warn, creating hiccups in the financing stage that can often push the closing date much later than originally expected.

First-time buyers should also anticipate tighter lending standards that generally don't allow 100% financing, making buyers responsible for coming up with enough money prior to their purchase to meet required downpayment and closing costs.

For these two reasons alone, young families considering becoming home owners should be advised to start the process long before they put a bid on a new home. As part of that effort, builders can provide key educational information on the home buying process - including financing and closing - that their customers need to ensure that they occupy their new home in time to claim the tax credit.

Assistance on Upfront Costs Available in 16 States

For home buyers who need assistance with downpayment and closing costs, some state housing finance agencies are able to provide a short-term loan based on the home buyer's qualification for the federal tax credit.

Sixteen state housing finance agencies - in Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia - are participating in loan programs to help facilitate home sales for first-time home buyers in their area.

Each state is different and qualifications and restrictions vary among the programs.

Home buyers should be warned, however, that there are organizations or individuals who are providing this service who are not legally permitted to do so. If the organization is a unit of state government, such as a state housing finance agency, it is safe to say that it is reputable. Otherwise, a home buyer should check with their local Better Business Bureau or through a state or local government's department of consumer affairs to ensure that the program they are working with is legitimate.

Remind Buyers of Requirements, Special Circumstances

Although the tax credit has three requirements listed for home buyers to qualify - status as a first-time home buyer, timeframe in which the home must be purchased and income limits - it is sometimes not that simple. Specific situations - such as those involving the sale of a home between related individuals or prior ownership of a mobile home as a primary residence - may result in a buyer's disqualification from claiming the credit.

In a statement released last week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warned taxpayers to beware of first-time home buyer tax credit fraud. Home buyers who may be unsure of their status on claiming the tax credit should seek professional advice from a certified public accountant or an enrolled agent licensed by the federal government.

Home buyers who may need additional information can find answers to frequently asked questions about the tax credit at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

Article and Picture © nbnnews.com

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White Roofs Catch On as Energy Cost Cutters

2009-08-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO - Returning to their ranch-style house in Sacramento after a long summer workday, Jon and Kim Waldrep were routinely met by a wall of heat.

"We'd come home in the summer, and the house would be 115 degrees, stifling," said Mr. Waldrep, a regional manager for a national company.

He or his wife would race to the thermostat and turn on the air-conditioning as their four small children, just picked up from day care, awaited relief.

All that changed last month. "Now we come home on days when it's over 100 degrees outside, and the house is at 80 degrees," Mr. Waldrep said.

Their solution was a new roof: a shiny plasticized white covering that experts say is not only an energy saver but also a way to help cool the planet.

Relying on the centuries-old principle that white objects absorb less heat than dark ones, homeowners like the Waldreps are in the vanguard of a movement embracing "cool roofs" as one of the most affordable weapons against climate change.

Studies show that white roofs reduce air-conditioning costs by 20 percent or more in hot, sunny weather. Lower energy consumption also means fewer of the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming.

What is more, a white roof can cost as little as 15 percent more than its dark counterpart, depending on the materials used, while slashing electricity bills.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu, a Nobel laureate in physics, has proselytized for cool roofs at home and abroad. "Make it white," he advised a television audience on Comedy Central's "Daily Show" last week.

The scientist Mr. Chu calls his hero, Art Rosenfeld, a member of the California Energy Commission who has been campaigning for cool roofs since the 1980s, argues that turning all of the world's roofs "light" over the next 20 years could save the equivalent of 24 billion metric tons in carbon dioxide emissions.

"That is what the whole world emitted last year," Mr. Rosenfeld said. "So, in a sense, it's like turning off the world for a year."

This month the Waldreps' three-bedroom house is consuming 10 percent less electricity than it did a year ago. (The savings would be greater if the family ran its central air during the workday.)

From Dubai to New Delhi to Osaka, Japan, reflective roofs have been embraced by local officials seeking to rein in energy costs. In the United States, they have been standard equipment for a decade at new Wal-Mart stores. More than 75 percent of the chain's 4,268 outlets in the United States have them.

California, Florida and Georgia have adopted building codes that encourage white-roof installations for commercial buildings.

Drawing on federal stimulus dollars earmarked for energy-efficiency projects, state energy offices and local utilities often offer financing for cool roofs. The roofs can qualify for tax credits if the roofing materials pass muster with the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program.

Still, the ardor of the cool-roof advocates has prompted a bit of a backlash.

Some roofing specialists and architects argue that supporters fail to account for climate differences or the complexities of roof construction. In cooler climates, they say, reflective roofs can mean higher heating bills.

Scientists acknowledge that the extra heating costs may outweigh the air-conditioning savings in cities like Detroit or Minneapolis.

But for most types of construction, they say, light roofs yield significant net benefits as far north as New York or Chicago. Although those cities have cold winters, they are heat islands in the summer, with hundreds of thousands of square feet of roof surface absorbing energy.

The physics behind cool roofs is simple. Solar energy delivers both light and heat, and the heat from sunlight is readily absorbed by dark colors. (An asphalt roof in New York can rise to 180 degrees on a hot summer day.) Lighter colors, however, reflect back a sizable fraction of the radiation, helping to keep a building - and, more broadly, the city and Earth - cooler. They also re-emit some of the heat they absorb.

Unlike high-technology solutions to reducing energy use, like light-emitting diodes in lamp fixtures, white roofs have a long and humble history. Houses in hot climates have been whitewashed for centuries.

Before the advent of central air-conditioning in the mid-20th-century, white- and cream-colored houses with reflective tin roofs were the norm in South Florida, for example. Then central air-conditioning arrived, along with dark roofs whose basic ingredients were often asphalt, tar and bitumen, or asphalt-based shingles. These materials absorb as much as 90 percent of the sun's heat energy - often useful in New England, but less so in Texas. By contrast, a white roof can absorb as little as 10 percent or 15 percent.

"Relative newcomers to the West and South brought a lot of habits and products from the Northeast," said Joe Reilly, the president of American Rooftile Coatings, a supplier. "What you see happening now is common sense."

Around the country, roof makers are racing to develop products in the hope of profiting as the movement spreads from the flat roofs of the country's malls to the sloped roofs of its suburbs.

Years of detailed work by scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory have provided the roof makers with a rainbow of colors - the equivalent of a table of the elements - showing the amount of light that each hue reflects and the amount of heat it re-emits.

White is not always a buyer's first choice of color. So suppliers like American Rooftile Coatings have used federal color charts to create "cool" but traditional colors, like cream, sienna and gray, that yield savings, though less than dazzling white roofs do.

In an experiment, the National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., had two kinds of terra-cotta-colored cement tiles from American Rooftile installed on four new homes at the Fort Irwin Army base in California. One kind was covered with a special paint and reflected 45 percent of the sun's rays - nearly twice as much as the other kind. The two homes with roofs of highly reflective paint used 35 percent less electricity last summer than the two with less reflective paint.

Still, William Miller of the Oak Ridge laboratory, who organized the experiment, says he distrusts the margin of difference; he wants to figure out whether some of it resulted from different family habits.

Hashem Akbari, Dr. Rosenfeld's colleague at the Lawrence Berkeley laboratory, says he is unsure how long it will take cool roofs to truly catch on. But he points out that most roofs, whether tile or asphalt-shingle, have a life span of 20 to 25 years.

If the roughly 5 percent of all roofs that are replaced each year were given cool colors, he said, the country's transformation would be complete in two decades.

Article © Felicity Barringer, New York Times

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Straw Bale Gardening

2009-07-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Limited space? No soil? Toxic or rocky ground? Spare corner? Edge of drive or yard? Here's bales of advice for you on the straw bale gardening way.

Especially good for those with dickey backs, straw bale gardening needs only someone to lug the jolly bales into place and with a minimum of effort you'll have a marvel of bounty and beauty indeed.

We can learn from others here. There are timely tips on straw bale gardening that will save you angst.
Here's the hoedown:

The bale is the garden. Put it on your balcony or path if you want to.

Use one or umpteen bales as you need and in any pattern. Because straw bale gardening is raised, it's easy to work with, so make sure you allow for handy access.

Wheat or oat straw is best as it's the stalks left from harvesting grain with very few seed left. Hay bales are less popular as they are made of whole plants with mucho seeds and often other weeds in. Use what you can get locally - it may even be lucerne or pea straw bales.

Put the bales in the exact place, because it's too hard to even nudge these monsters once you've got your little straw bale garden factory in full swing.

You'll get one good season out of a bale and usually two, albeit with a bit of sag. It makes for great compost or mulch when finished with. Straw bale for garden

Lay them lengthwise to make planting easy by just parting the straw. Make sure the string is running around each bale and not on the side touching the ground in case it's degradable twine.

Keep the twine there to hold it all in place and if it does rot, bang some stakes in at both ends, or chock up the ends with something heavyish, like rocks, bricks, boxes or plant containers.

Starting off with slightly aged bales of about 6 months is best, but if they're new, thoroughly soak with water and leave for 5 or so days whilst the temperature rises and cooks the inside, then they will cool and be ready for planting. They won't be composting much inside yet, that takes months, but you don't want that initial hot cooking of your plants.

Some sneaky people speed up the process of producing microbes and rot by following a 10-day pre-treatment regime of water and ammonium nitrate on the top of each bale. But, hey, organic gardeners are a patient lot aren't we, so let's follow nature?

Keep watered. That's going to be your biggest task. Straw bale gardening uses more water than a normal garden, so set up a system now. It may be that swilling out the teapot on it each day is enough in your area, or you may need to keep the hose handy.

Straw bale gardening - plants to plant

Annuals of vegetables, herbs or flowers will love it. Remember your bales will be history in 1-2 years. Young plants can go straight in. Pull apart or use a trowel and depending on the state of the straw, put a handful of compost soil in too, then let the straw go back into place.

Seeds can be planted on top if you put a layer of compost soil there first.

Top heavies like corn and okra, are not so good, unless you grow dwarf varieties. With straw bale gardening it's hard to put solid stakes in so big tomato plants are out, although they will happily dangle over the edge.

Each bale should take up to half a dozen cucumbers, trailing down. Squash, zucchini, melons - maybe 3 plants, or a couple of tomato plants per bale with one or two herbs and leafy veggies in between. Four pepper plants will fit or 12-15 bean or pea plants.

There's no limit and why not poke in around the side a plant or two of some flowering annual for colour and companion if you like.

Once every 1-2 weeks water in a liquid organic feed, such as compost tea or fish emulsion. Tip some worms on top if you want to use your bales only one season.

It's simple to pull out any wayward grain seeds with straw bale gardening, but with hay bales you may need to occasionally give them a haircut rather than try and pull the tenacious new sprouts out.

Article & Picture © no-dig-vegetablegarden.com

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Composting Fundamentals

2009-07-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

Good composting is a matter of providing the proper environmental conditions for microbial life. Compost is made by billions of microbes (fungi, bacteria, etc.) that digest the yard and kitchen wastes (food) you provide for them. If the pile is cool enough, worms, insects, and their relatives will help out the microbes. All of these will slowly make compost out of your yard and kitchen wastes under any conditions. However, like people, these living things need air, water, and food. If you maintain your pile to provide for their needs, they'll happily turn your yard and kitchen wastes into compost much more quickly. Keep in mind the following basic ideas while building your compost piles:

AIR
Composting microbes are aerobic -- they can't do their work well unless they are provided with air. Without air, anaerobic (non-air needing) microbes take over the pile. They do cause slow decomposition, but tend to smell like putrefying garbage! For this reason, it's important to make sure that there are plenty of air passageways into your compost pile. Some compost ingredients, such as green grass clippings or wet leaves, mat down very easily into slimy layers that air cannot get through. Other ingredients, such as straw, don't mat down easily and are very helpful in allowing air into the center of a pile. To make sure that you have adequate aeration for your pile and its microbes, thoroughly break up or mix in any ingredients that might mat down and exclude air. You can also turn the pile to get air into it, which means completely breaking it apart with a spade or garden fork and then piling it back together in a more 'fluffed-up' condition.

WATER
Ideally, your pile should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge to fit the needs of compost microbes. At this moisture level, there is a thin film of water coating every particle in the pile, making it very easy for microbes to live and disperse themselves throughout the pile. If your pile is drier than this, it won't be very good microbial habitat, and composting will be slowed significantly. If your pile is a great deal wetter, the sodden ingredients will be so heavy that they will tend to mat down and exclude air from the pile, again slowing the composting process (and perhaps creating anaerobic odor problems). If you are using dry ingredients, such as autumn leaves or straw, you'll need to moisten them as you add them to the pile. Kitchen fruit and vegetable wastes generally have plenty of moisture, as do fresh green grass clippings and garden thinnings. Watch out for far-too-soggy piles in wet climates (a tarp may help to keep rain off during wet weather). In dry climates, it may be necessary to water your pile occasionally to maintain proper moisture.

FOOD
In broad terms, there are two major kinds of food that composting microbes need.

'Browns' are dry and dead plant materials such as straw, dry brown weeds, autumn leaves, and wood chips or sawdust. These materials are mostly made of chemicals that are just long chains of sugar molecules linked together. As such, these items are a source of energy for the compost microbes. Because they tend to be dry, browns often need to be moistened before they are put into a compost system.

'Greens' are fresh (and often green) plant materials such as green weeds from the garden, kitchen fruit and vegetable scraps, green leaves, coffee grounds and tea bags, fresh horse manure, etc. Compared to browns, greens have more nitrogen in them. Nitrogen is a critical element in amino acids and proteins, and can be thought of as a protein source for the billions of multiplying microbes.

A good mix of browns and greens is the best nutritional balance for the microbes. This mix also helps out with the aeration and amount of water in the pile. Browns, for instance, tend to be bulky and promote good aeration. Greens, on the other hand, are typically high in moisture, and balance out the dry nature of the browns.

Article and Picture © VegWeb, LLC

Complete Article

Eight Tips for Getting Your Sustainability Project Off the Ground

2009-06-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Article by Deborah Fleischer

In Part I of this series, I focused on the business value of going green. This piece focuses on in-the-trenches advice for new sustainability directors at companies just getting started on implementing a sustainability strategy.

1. Look at the big picture and identify your company's greatest impacts. Review your key business operations to understand the key environmental issues for your business and the opportunities and risks presented by these issues. Alex McIntosh, Director of Corporate Citizenship at Nestlé Waters, advises new directors to "think broadly about what sustainability means to your business, look beyond your four walls, up and down your full value chain." Then," he continues, "quantify your impacts [green house gas (GHG) emissions or life cycle assessment (LCA) or tons of waste] and prioritize the places where your impacts are the greatest. Pay lots of attention to how people inside the company are being rewarded or penalized for their performance in those areas."

2. Land some quick wins -- go for cost savings. To start, prioritize and focus on capturing the low-hanging fruit. Look for opportunities that will deliver results quickly, such as increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Scan your business and look for logical opportunities to save money and develop measurable metrics to track results.

3. Be authentic. If you are going to use sustainability as a product differentiator, be sure you have done all you can to be authentically green. This does not mean you have to be perfect. Consumers want honesty and transparency, not perfection. But with today's social media tools, it only takes a moment on Twitter for someone to accuse you of greenwashing.

4. Develop internal partners. For directors getting started, begin to network throughout the company and create relationships with directors who oversee key functions, including product design, procurement, sales, supply chain, governmental affairs, social investment, analyst relations and employee engagement. Look for opportunities to gain their trust and educate them on the value sustainability offers the company, including product differentiation that can capture market share and drive top-line revenues.

5. Engage your stakeholders. McIntosh suggests meeting with as many people as you can outside of your company, "prioritizing to meet with the most influential and interested stakeholders first."

"Stakeholder engagement is an important, essential element in good citizenship and good business strategy. You need to know what issues are most important to the people that are most relevant to your business," suggests McIntosh.

Include your supply chain, customers, investors and employees in your outreach so you can understand what leadership looks like or what risks may be coming. What issues do they care about? What is important to them? How are they tackling their end of the equation? Answers to these questions can help inform your strategy and programs.

6. Engage employees. If you are short on resources to implement new programs, look to your employees. Bonnie Nixon, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Hewlett Packard, explained that the company engages employees on multiple levels, ranging from providing them energy kits to reduce their personal carbon footprint at home to offering incentives for biking to work to encouraging them to innovate more and find ways to imbed sustainability into product design, the supply chain and the sales process.

7. Develop a communications strategy. A key component to a sustainability program is communicating both internally and externally about your efforts and results. Develop a strategy that details how you are going to communicate your efforts -- both your successes and future areas for improvement.

8. Develop a long-term strategy. Going green does not happen overnight. Hunter Lovins, the president and founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions warns, "avoid the temptation to be green all at once. This is a years long process, like continuous improvement."

Bonnie Nixon adds, "in addition to a short-term strategy, you need to develop a longer term plan that looks at potential trends and regulations out there and what your future customer segment is going to look like."

Ultimately, you want to aim for an authentic strategy that is linked to your company's mission, vision, brand and values that will deliver significant, quantifiable, bottom-line results.

Deborah Fleischer is the founder and president of Green Impact, providing strategic environmental consulting services to mid-sized companies and NGOs who want to launch a new green initiative or cross-sector collaboration, but lack the in-house capacity to get it up and running. She brings expertise in sustainability strategy, program development, stakeholder engagement and written communications.

Article and Picture © GreenBiz.com

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Greenopia Ranks 50 State Governors for Environmental Responsibility

2009-06-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Greenopia's research team has released a new ranking: this time it's a comprehensive ranking of all 50 United States governors. Topping the list is Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado followed closely by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. The entire ranking results are available at 50 Greenest Governors. See Top Ten below.
"We looked at all 50 governors in the US and compared their policies, transparency, and interest group ratings and ranked them. It was a monumental task," said Doug Mazeffa, Greenopia's director of research. "People want to know which Governors are the eco-leaders or laggards, and especially identify those making repeated eco-gaffes."
Data for this study was collected from each governor's own web pages and cross-checked against credible sites such as VoteSmart and OnTheIssues. Energy and emission data was collected from the Department of Energy and the environmental platform data for each political party was collected from either the DNC or RNC's main site.
As part of Greenopia's mission to keep consumers (and voters) informed on issues of eco-friendly importance, the Greenest Governors project reveals which state governments are most dedicated to preserving the environment. The US Constitution preserves the notion that America is a federation of sovereign states and legal powers not specifically granted to the federal government are retained by the states. This means that Governors and state legislatures hold significant sway over state-based green initiatives and policies.
"Over the past few years we have begun to see certain states emerging as environmental leaders," remarked Gay Browne, Greenopia founder and CEO. "Those states enacting environmental laws stricter than federal guidelines have gone to greater lengths to protect the environment and to create more sustainable development, including green jobs."

The Top Ten Greenest Governors

1. Bill Ritter of Colorado
2. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California
3. Ted Kulongowski of Oregon
4. Christine Gregoire of Washington state
5. John Baldacci of Maine
6. Martin O'Malley of Maryland
7. Bill Richardson of New Mexico
8. James Douglas of Vermont
9. Jon Corzine of New Jersey
10. Jodi Rell of Connecticut

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, had the following comment to make regarding the analysis done by Greenopia, "I very much appreciate this honor as an acknowledgment of our success at building a New Energy Economy all across Colorado. Over the past 2½ years, we have established Colorado as a national and international leader in renewable energy. While renewable energy and energy conservation are vital to our environmental future, the recession has also made it clear how important they are to our economic future. Thanks to our New Energy Economy, we are creating thousands of new jobs, attracting scores of new companies and leading the way toward greater energy independence through research and innovation."

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Seminar on August 1: Building Green

2009-06-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

Seminar: Building Green: Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

Join Design Forward's Lisa Swan in Glendale on August 1, 2009 for a Building Green seminar for home owners.

Class Description: Whether you are interested in a new house, remodeling your existing home, or just adding a few sustainable features, this innovative class will give you an in depth review of green building and sustainable architecture. Learn about solar and wind energy, wall systems such as straw bale, insulated concrete forms and foam insulation, natural and recycled materials, efficient windows and appliances, and more. Also learn how you can save money through State and local rebates.
Reference Class: SI011

Instructor: Lisa Swan is the owner of Design Forward, a residential design firm, specializing in sustainable and green projects. She is an Honors' graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, with a Bachelor of Architecture and has an MBA from Norwich University.

Date & Time: August 1, 2009 9:30am - 12:30am

Cost: $35, plus $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.

Location: Glendale, CA - Garfield Campus of the Glendale Community College

Register Begins June 1, 2009: http://www.glendale.edu/cse

More Info

Pond-Powered Biofuels: Turning Algae into America's New Energy

2009-05-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Just three years ago, Colorado-based inventor Jim Sears shuttered himself in his garage and began tinkering with a design to mass-produce biofuel. His reactor (plastic bags) and his feedstock (algae) may have struck soybean farmers as a laughable gamble. But the experiment worked, and today, Sears' company, Solix Biofuels in Fort Collins, is among several startups betting their futures on the photosynthetic powers of unicellular green goo.

The science is simple: Algae need water, sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow. The oil they produce can then be harvested and converted into biodiesel; the algae's carbohydrate content can be fermented into ethanol. Both are much cleaner-burning fuels than petroleum-based diesel or gas.

The reality is more complex. Trying to grow concentrations of the finicky organism is a bit like trying to balance the water in a fish tank. It's also expensive. The water needs to be just the right temperature for algae to proliferate, and even then open ponds can become choked with invasive species. Atmospheric levels of CO2 also aren't high enough to spur exponential growth.

Solix addresses these problems by containing the algae in closed "photobioreactors"-triangular chambers made from sheets of polyethylene plastic (similar to a painter's dropcloth)-and bubbling supplemental carbon dioxide through the system. Eventually, the source of the CO2 will be exhaust from power plants and other industrial processes, providing the added benefit of capturing a potent greenhouse gas before it reaches the atmosphere.

Given the right conditions, algae can double its volume overnight. Unlike other biofuel feedstocks, such as soy or corn, it can be harvested day after day. Up to 50 percent of an alga's body weight is comprised of oil, whereas oil-palm trees-currently the largest producer of oil to make biofuels-yield just about 20 percent of their weight in oil. Across the board, yields are already impressive: Soy produces some 50 gallons of oil per acre per year; canola, 150 gallons; and palm, 650 gallons. But algae is expected to produce 10,000 gallons per acre per year, and eventually even more.

"If we were to replace all of the diesel that we use in the United States" with an algae derivative, says Solix CEO Douglas Henston, "we could do it on an area of land that's about one-half of 1 percent of the current farm land that we use now."

Solix plans to complete its second prototype by the end of April and to begin building a pilot plant this fall. That plant will take advantage of CO2 generated from the fermentation and boiler processes of New Belgium Brewery, also in Fort Collins. The company's initial target is to be competitive with biodiesel, which historically sells for about $2 per gallon, wholesale. They believe they can reach this goal within a few years, and are ultimately aiming to compete with petroleum.

John Sheehan, an energy analyst with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colo., believes these goals are within reach. "There is no other resource that comes even close in magnitude to the potential for making oil," says Sheehan, who worked in the lab's algae program before it was shut down by the Department of Energy. One of algae's great strengths, Sheehan adds, is its ability to grow well in brackish water. In the desert southwest, where much of the groundwater is saline and unsuitable for other forms of agriculture, algae can proliferate.

GreenFuel Technologies Corp., based in Cambridge, Mass., is focused on cultivating algae that can produce high yields of both biodiesel and ethanol. There are more than 100,000 strains of algae, with differing ratios of three main types of molecule: oils, carbohydrates and protein. Strains of algae high in carbohydrates as well as oils produce starches that can be separated and fermented into ethanol; the remaining proteins can be turned into animal grains. GreenFuel hopes its pilot plant will see initial yields of 8000 gallons of biodiesel and 5000 gallons of ethanol per acre of algae.

The main focus now, says Cary Bullock, GreenFuel's president and CEO, is figuring out "how to grow algae fast enough and cheap enough that it makes sense economically. That's not easy to do."

With the science well in hand, the degree to which algae-based biofuels can replace petroleum-or the limited acreage of traditional feedstocks-rests upon that bottom line. Once the technology hits the ground, will a commercial-scale facility be on par with petroleum? Says Bullock: "You don't know until you've actually built the thing."

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Article © popularmechanics.com Picture © popularmechanics.com

Here's A Cheap Way To Install Solar Panels On Your House

2009-05-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cool Tools has an interesting suggestion for home owners who want to incorporate solar technology, but can't afford the steep investment costs: let the solar panel company finance it for you. The trade-off is you won't save as much money as you would if you paid for them outright, but you will save some money, and the company that's paying for the panels has a financial incentive to keep them working properly over the course of the agreement.

You sign up with a company that installs high-quality panels on your property for no money down. Zero dollars! On sunny days the panels make electrons which run your meter backwards. The quantity of panels are sized to cover about 80-90% of your current electric bill, so that you should be expected to pay the utility only 10-20% of what you pay now. In addition to the much smaller payment to your electric grid company you will also now pay the solar company a fee based on the number of watts you send into the grid. This is how they make money to cover the costs of installing the panels and their profit. The rates they will charge you per kilowatt will be less than the utility rates, so your total bill for electricity will be less each month. (Not zero, not half, but less.) Because the solar company makes money by how much electricity your panels produce they have a clear incentive to maintain the panels' performance and keep them clean and the inverters going. After 15-18 years, you own the panels and set up free and clear.

Kevin Kelly notes that by going the financing route, you're exchanging the bulk of the energy produced for free installation, which means the savings you'll see are real but not dramatic:

"While you may be generating 90% of your usage, because you are leasing the panels, your total combined bill will not be 90% less. It may only be 10% less per month. But since it costs you nothing or little up front, over 18 years that 10% adds up."

Visit his site for more information on how solar power purchasing agreements (Solar PPAs) work, and some links to companies that offer them. "Zero-Down Solar Panels" [Cool Tools]

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Article & Picture © consumerist.com

Green Fast Food Restaurants

2009-04-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you've forgotton your healthy snacks and your only option is...nothing but fast food joints? Do you give up and go eat the greasiest, cheapest burger and fries and then throw away a bag full of garbage? Your excuses to indulge in unhealthy and unsustainable fare are dwindling. These days, there's lots of diet-friendly options at most fast food purveyors, and they are also making strides towards being healthier for the planet too (some more so than others, so read on).

Consult Greenopia's newly released Fast Food Ratings Guide to find out which of your fave quick-stop meal joints have the lowest impact. We've rated which fast food restaurants are making strides to be more sustainable, considering back-end practices, packaging, and transportation and we've noted the number of veggie and vegan choices and typical meal calorie ranges for each chain too.

According to the guide, when faced with a growling belly, your best bet is to go with a smaller chain whenever possible, like: Pizza Fusion, Burgerville (39 locations in the Pacific Northwest), Le Pain Quotidien (30 national locations) or Evos; each earned between a 3 and 4 leaf rating for initiatives like serving local and/or organic foods, offering biodegradable cutlery, choosing green buildings for new restaurants, or offsetting with wind credits.

Fast Food Ratings Guide

Article © Starre Vartan, Greenopia Picture © Greenopia

Article...

Earth Day Events

2009-04-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2009 marked the 39th Earth Day, but the festivities are not over. Find a Earth Day event happening near you this weekend at the Earth Day Network.

Earth Day Events...

Happy Birthday, Design Forward

2009-03-22T12:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday! March 1, 2009 marks Design Forward's 7th year in business. We want to thank everyone who has supported us so far. We look forward to continuing our work in the sustainable and green community for many more years.

Experts Gather to Discuss the State of Green Business

2009-03-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

More than 500 people gathered Monday for the State of Green Business Forum in San Francisco, an all-day event that marked the release of the State of Green Business 2009 report from the editors of GreenBiz.com. The report attempts to measure the adoption of green business practices in the U.S.

The Forum featured more than a dozen industry leaders to bring various aspects of the report to life: water management, green jobs, innovation and energy efficiency. GreenBiz.com Executive Editor Joel Makower also assembled a panel of advisors of President Barack Obama to discuss the new administration and its efforts to jumpstart a green economy.

In opening up the forum, Makower presented an overview of the finding of this year's report: in a nutshell, companies are doing OK, but there's plenty of room for improvement.

"Is all of this green activity we read about actually moving the needle?" Makower asked. "The answer, in aggregate, is not so much."

In running down a list of latest news stories, Makower offered examples of corporate environmental successes, all occurring since Nov. 4, 2008. Among them are beverage companies committing to grow their sales without using more water to make products, an apparel company incorporating green design principles into all its products, an IT company that developed energy management tools to dramatically cut companywide energy use, and a consumer products company selling $20 billion in greener products.

Despite the green success stories, the details of the State of Green Business Report are a mixed bag, but that progress is much slower than what we need. Makower outlined eight of the 20 indicators in the report that highlighted the good, the bad and the neutral in green business practices.

Among the sinking indicators Makower discussed were electronic waste and carbon intensity; in both cases companies in the U.S. are making slight improvements -- in total electronics taken back for recycling and the amount of CO2 equivalent generated per dollar of economic activity, respectively -- but that those improvements are failing to outpace the growth of the problems at hand.

On the more promising side, energy efficiency and paper use are areas in which U.S. businesses are swimming along well: "Energy efficiency is back on the table," Makower explained in looking at the long and steady decline in the amount of energy needed to power the economy year after year. In looking over the trends of the last few years, Makower said he expects that improved energy efficiency is something he expects to see as part of the discussion in businesses nationwide for years to come.

Article © GreenBiz

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Waste to Energy

2009-03-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

The enormous increase in the quantum and diversity of waste materials generated by human activity and their potentially harmful effects on the general environment and public health, have led to an increasing awareness about an urgent need to adopt scientific methods for safe disposal of wastes. While there is an obvious need to minimize the generation of wastes and to reuse and recycle them, the technologies for recovery of energy from wastes can play a vital role in mitigating the problems. Besides recovery of substantial energy, these technologies can lead to a substantial reduction in the overall waste quantities requiring final disposal, which can be better managed for safe disposal in a controlled manner while meeting the pollution control standards.

Waste generation rates are affected by socio-economic development, degree of industrialization, and climate. Generally, the greater the economic prosperity and the higher percentage of urban population, the greater the amount of solid waste produced. Reduction in the volume and mass of solid waste is a crucial issue especially in the light of limited availability of final disposal sites in many parts of the world. Although numerous waste and byproduct recovery processes have been introduced, anaerobic digestion has unique and integrative potential, simultaneously acting as a waste treatment and recovery process.

Waste-to-Energy Conversion Pathways

A host of technologies are available for realizing the potential of waste as an energy source, ranging from very simple systems for disposing of dry waste to more complex technologies capable of dealing with large amounts of industrial waste. There are three main pathways for conversion of organic waste material to energy - thermochemical, biochemical and physicochemical.

Thermochemical Conversion
Combustion of waste has been used for many years as a way of reducing waste volume and neutralizing many of the potentially harmful elements within it. Combustion can only be used to create an energy source when heat recovery is included. Heat recovered from the combustion process can then be used to either power turbines for electricity generation or to provide direct space and water heating. Some waste streams are also suitable for fueling a combined heat and power system, although quality and reliability of supply are important factors to consider.

Thermochemical conversion, characterized by higher temperature and conversion rates, is best suited for lower moisture feedstock and is generally less selective for products. Thermochemical conversion includes incineration, pyrolysis and gasification. The incineration technology is the controlled combustion of waste with the recovery of heat to produce steam which in turn produces power through steam turbines. Pyrolysis and gasification represent refined thermal treatment methods as alternatives to incineration and are characterized by the transformation of the waste into product gas as energy carrier for later combustion in, for example, a boiler or a gas engine.

Biochemical Conversion
The bio-chemical conversion processes, which include anaerobic digestion and fermentation, are preferred for wastes having high percentage of organic biodegradable (putrescible) matter and high moisture content. Anaerobic digestion is a reliable technology for the treatment of wet, organic waste. Organic waste from various sources is composted in highly controlled, oxygen-free conditions circumstances resulting in the production of biogas which can be used to produce both electricity and heat. Anaerobic digestion also results in a dry residue called digestate which can be used as a soil conditioner.

Alcohol fermentation is the transformation of organic fraction of biomass to ethanol by a series of biochemical reactions using specialized microorganisms. It finds good deal of application in the transformation of woody biomass into cellulosic ethanol.

Physico-chemical Conversion
The physico-chemical technology involves various processes to improve physical and chemical properties of solid waste. The combustible fraction of the waste is converted into high-energy fuel pellets which may be used in steam generation. Fuel pellets have several distinct advantages over coal and wood because it is cleaner, free from incombustibles, has lower ash and moisture contents, is of uniform size, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

Article © www.alternative-energy-news.info Picture © The PFM Group

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New Federal Energy Tax Credits

2009-02-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. The highlights are:

* The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.
* The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.
* The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.
* The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009-2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.
* The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

Tax Credits for Consumers:
Home Improvements
Tax credits are now available for home improvements:

* must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010
* must be for taxpayers principal residence
* maximum amount is $1,500 in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements (geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and windmills are not subject to this cap)
* for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement, OR for windows, you can save the ENERGY STAR label from your new windows
* improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) - use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) - it will be available late 2009 or early 2010
* If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters. More.

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings:
A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $.60 per square foot can be taken for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems. These tax deductions are available for systems "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2013.

More Info...

Soy Seal

2009-02-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

Spray polyurethane foam insulation is an incredible breakthrough in insulation for our homes, but one of the downsides is the requirement for a certified dealer and installer.
However, BioBased Insulation has recently introduced a soy based natural sealer that is based on the same technology - in a can.

Soy Seal bio-based insulating foam sealant is spray applied and expands to:
· Seal leaks
· Save energy
· Stop moisture
· Increase comfort
· Decrease carbon emissions
· Reduce heating & cooling costs-naturally

Soy Seal for Gaps & Cracks can be used to seal around pipe penetrations, floor vents and more. Soy Seal for Windows & Doors is specially formulated to repel water, and it won't bow windows or doors.
Made from renewable, natural oils, Soy Seal exceeds the USDA bio- based standards and meets the stringent indoor air quality certification, GREENGUARD for Children and Schools.

Soy Seal website

Seminar on May 30: Building Green

2009-02-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

Seminar: Building Green: Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

Join Design Forward's Lisa Swan in Glendale on May 30, 2009 for a Building Green seminar for home owners.

Class Description: Whether you are interested in a new house, remodeling your existing home, or just adding a few sustainable features, this innovative class will give you an in depth review of green building and sustainable architecture. Learn about solar and wind energy, wall systems such as straw bale, insulated concrete forms and foam insulation, natural and recycled materials, efficient windows and appliances, and more. Also learn how you can save money through State and local rebates.
Reference Class: SI011

Instructor: Lisa Swan is the owner of Design Forward, a residential design firm, specializing in sustainable and green projects. She is an Honors' graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, with a Bachelor of Architecture and has an MBA from Norwich University.

Date & Time: May 30, 2009 9:30am - 12:30am

Cost: $35, plus $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.

Location: Glendale, CA - Garfield Campus of the Glendale Community College

Register Begins March 1, 2009: http://www.glendale.edu/cse

More Info...

Building Modular Homes

2009-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Brief synopsis taken from Seminar from Dr. Nabil Taha, structural engineer:

Many believe that lower cost is the main reason to build modular, but surprisingly, lower cost is only a secondary consideration.

1. Superior Quality is the main reason
2. followed by Quicker Building Time,
3. then Fixed Costs.

Five good reasons to build a modular home:

* Modular homes are built from the best quality lumber and are protected in a factory controlled environment. (in contract, on-site houses are typically built from average quality lumber and are open to rain and/or snow during construction, which can cause wood to warp or swell leading to a lifetime of structural and mold problems.)
* Factories offer skilled craftsmen steady employment and benefits, resulting in a consistent skilled labor force. You will have no worries about delays relating to inexperienced or tardy laborers
* With additional insulation and precision craftsmanship, modular homes can be significantly more energy efficient. Your utility bills can be far cheaper than your neighbors and save you more money in years to come.
* Factory inspections cover every construction detail of a modular home, which are built to the strictest codes (IBC and IRC).
* Faster use. You can choose a brand new inventory home that is already built and move in on your land in a matter of weeks.

Additional benefits from building modular:

* Faster Loan approvals
* Less costly design and engineering
* Guaranteed price
* Potentially better return on investment

Modular Homes Consumers Guide

Seminar: Building Green

2009-01-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Seminar: Building Green: Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

Join Design Forward's Lisa Swan in Glendale on February 7, 2009 for a Building Green seminar for home owners.

Class Description: Whether you are interested in a new house, remodeling your existing home, or just adding a few sustainable features, this innovative class will give you an in depth review of green building and sustainable architecture. Learn about solar and wind energy, wall systems such as straw bale, insulated concrete forms and foam insulation, natural and recycled materials, efficient windows and appliances, and more. Also learn how you can save money through State and local rebates.
Reference Class: SI011

Instructor: Lisa Swan is the owner of Design Forward, a residential design firm, specializing in sustainable and green projects. She is an Honors' graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, with a Bachelor of Architecture and has an MBA from Norwich University.

February 7, 2009 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Cost: $35, plus $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.

Location: Glendale, CA - Garfield Campus of the Glendale Community College, Room 120

More Info: http://www.designforward.net/events.shtm#sem

Register Now: http://www.glendale.edu/cse

Give Green to Save Green

2008-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Just in time to help the cash-strapped and eco-inclined this holiday season, TreeHugger.com offer an array of affordable, eco-friendly gifts, recommendations and helpful information.

TreeHugger.com's annual gift guide returns with "Give Green to Save Green," offering suggestions of more than 100 unique gift options designed to help the planet as well as bottom lines.

TreeHugger's "Give Green to Save Green" (http://www.treehugger.com/giftguide/) gift guide presents a broad range of affordable options for spreading holiday cheer which come with the added benefit of reducing impact to the environment. The average American's trash output is 25 percent higher between Thanksgiving and the New Year, and household expenses are on the rise this winter. TreeHugger's timely holiday guide shows that choosing sustainable gifts can help to lessen both waste and financial strain. The "Give Green to Save Green" gift guide contains gift solutions in easy to follow categories including: Green Geek, Foodie, Fashion Buff, Wee-Hugger, Outdoors Enthusiast, The Health Nut, and more.

With items ranging from DIY natural gum and candy kits (Glee, $13) and energy-efficient earthen cookware (La Bamba, $58) to body care products in 'plantable' packaging (Pangea Organics, $40) and great gifts for gadget junkies (home power monitor, $99), TreeHugger's gift selections are as thoughtful to their lucky recipients as they are to the earth.

View the Guide...

New ENERGY STAR Television Specifications

2008-12-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

by Richard Harris

Flat screen televisions deliver dazzling pictures, but they also consume huge amounts of electricity. Some big TV sets can use more electricity than a refrigerator, even ones that meet the government's newly revised "Energy Star" efficiency standard.

If you're shopping for a new dishwasher, you can read that yellow "energy guide" label to figure out how much electricity it'll consume. No such luck if you're shopping for a new wide-screen TV. While certain TVs do have the Energy Star efficiency sticker, some experts say even that has been misleading.

"Energy Star was woefully behind on TVs. In order to earn the Energy Star label, it only dealt with how much power did the TV consume when it was off," says Noah Horowitz of the Natural Resource Defense Council.

New Energy Star Ratings

Now, for the first time, the Energy Star ratings measure the power that TVs use while they're actually on. But an Energy Star listing alone doesn't mean the TV uses less power. It only indicates that the TV is relatively efficient - within its class.

For example, when measured with a wattmeter, the high-end Pioneer Elite, a 50-inch plasma TV, idles at about 390 watts. That's like turning on 30 compact fluorescent light bulbs all at once. And if you assume that the set will be on for five hours a day, the set consumes a lot more electricity than a typical refrigerator. When the TV is in a slightly dimmer, energy-saving mode, it only uses 300 watts, which matches its Energy Star listing.

Still, your friendly neighborhood coal-burning power plant would emit a half-ton of carbon dioxide every year to keep this one TV on for five hours a day - and that's in energy-saving mode.

For comparison, the 32-inch LCD in its brightest setting pulled about 115 watts. That's the equivalent of about two incandescent light bulbs or nine or 10 compact fluorescent lights.

In part, this TV consumes less because it is smaller, but it also has an LCD screen - technology that is typically more efficient than a plasma screen, like the first set tested.

Article © NPR

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Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards

2008-11-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Have an eco-friendly holiday season and send your family, friends, business associates recycled greeting cards this year. Here are some of our favorites:

Grow-A-Note from KidBean.com- a handmade paper made from post-consumer recycled paper with embedded with wildflower seeds you can plant once spring arrives.

Eco Imprints has a nice selection of recycled cards as well as other items you can personalize.

Good Cause Greeting Cards - Variety of holiday designs supporting many different charitable causes such as Amnesty International, Environmental Defense, Prevent Child Abuse America, National Alliance to End Homelessness, America's Second Harvest-Ending Hunger, and many more

Green Field Paper Company - Has a selection of cards on hemp paper

Article © Lisa A. Swan. Picture © ecoimprints.com

Green Power on the Rise

2008-11-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Future of Renewable Energy Policy in the United States

By Bracken Hendricks and Benjamin Goldstein, Center for American Progress

On October 3, 2008, the 110th Congress finally passed the renewable energy tax package by attaching it to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the $700bn "bailout bill"). Despite the turmoil on Wall Street, U.S. clean energy and climate advocates breathed a collective sigh of relief when they finally saw these vital tax credits extended after an arduous journey that involved seven votes in the House of Representatives and 10 votes in the Senate.

Federal renewable energy policy in the United States has had a long and complex history. The struggle to pass the renewable energy tax package illustrated the diverse set of interests and actors that have battled over the government's role in supporting renewable energy ever since the creation of the Department of Energy in 1977. Unfortunately, with every political change in Washington came a new approach. Jimmy Carter installed the first solar panels on the White House roof in 1979, and Ronald Reagan took them down in 1986. In 1993, Bill Clinton initiated the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, a collaboration between government laboratories, universities, and automakers to increase fuel efficiency through practical technologies. Then, in 2001, George W. Bush scrapped the PNGV in favor of his FreedomCAR initiative, which initially focused on the far-off technology of hydrogen fuel-cells before shifting more recently to plug-in electric vehicles. Even within the same administration, renewable and "clean" energy research and development suffered the ebb and flow of the political tides and budget considerations. These irregularities in federal renewable energy policy over the past 30 years have prevented precisely the kind of long-term consistency every new technology needs in its formative years.

External factors have played a role as well. During the eight years of the Clinton-Gore administration, world oil prices hovered around or even below $20 per barrel (in 2006 dollars), and global supply was stable, giving little incentive to develop alternative fuels. Also, coal and natural gas for electricity generation have been cheap, domestic, secure, and politically popular, despite emerging concerns over the evidence of their contribution to global warming.

Times have changed. Enormous volatility in the world oil markets, which saw a barrel of crude reach over $140 per barrel this past summer, has spurred a national frenzy to diversify our liquid fuel supply and wean the transportation sector off of oil. Prices for coal and natural gas have skyrocketed. Furthermore, the role of anthropogenic emissions in causing global warming is no longer disputed, and politicians, influential thought leaders, and the American public are all now calling for deep emissions cuts to mitigate the most serious consequences.

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LEED 2009

2008-10-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

In order to remain relevant in a rapidly changing market, technology must evolve; LEED, as a market transformation instrument, is no different. The suite of LEED Green Building Rating Systems has enjoyed remarkable and unprecedented growth as the building industry has sought to engage with its concepts and technical criteria. LEED has been an incontrovertible success as a tool to promote market transformation and recognize buildings with exemplary green pedigrees. As of May 1, 2008, 3.5+ billion square feet of building projects (10,000+ individual projects) have registered intent to seek LEED certification with dozens more signing up every day. LEED's rapid success presents its stewards, the USGBC membership, with an opportunity to advance the system to ensure that future buildings certified under its criteria are even greener than the stock in the pipeline to date.

LEED has always existed and enjoyed unparalleled success, in part, due to its ability to operate in the dynamic tension between the pursuit of environmental excellence and the business realities of buildings industry. While the urgency of pending environmental crises that face the coming generations weighs heavily on all of us, there is recognition that LEED cannot completely forsake market uptake for environmental priorities. Issues like global climate change may be the most urgent and dire social equity issues that we have ever faced, and they demand immediate, effective action. In spite of this knowledge, we also acknowledge that no transformation is catalyzed if the bar set by LEED is unachievable in the context of existing technological and economic boundaries.

Continuing to strike the optimal balance between market uptake and technical advancement is one of the driving forces behind the LEED 2009 work. Additionally, much has been invested in the current LEED system and, as a direct result, a concerted effort has been made to ensure that LEED 2009 capitalizes on the existing market momentum.

Read complete summary (in PDF)...

Presidential Candidates on the Environment

2008-10-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

The election is right around the corner. We thought we would take some time to outline each of the presidential candidates approach to the environment.

Barack Obama

When asked bout promoting green technologies and fuel efficiency standards, Obama said, "[For] this to happen, we've got to be courageous enough to not just talk about it in front of the Sierra Club or organizations already sympathetic to us. When I announced my proposal to increase fuel efficiency standards on cars, I went to Detroit in front of the automakers and said they had to change their ways..and I told them that when I am president, there will be no more excuses - we will help them retool their factories, but they will have to make cars that use less oil."

According to the Obama-Biden website, the Obama-Biden comprehensive New Energy for
America plan will:

Provide short-term relief to American families facing pain at the pump

Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.

Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.

Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.

Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25
percent by 2025.

Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

Find out more on Barack Obama

John McCain

When asked about nuclear, wind, tide, solar, gas, coal, John McCain said, "We can work on nuclear power plants. Build a whole bunch of them, create millions of new jobs. We have to have all of the above, alternative fuels, wind, tide, solar, natural gas, clean coal technology. All of these things we can do as Americans and we can take on this mission and we can overcome it."

According to the McCain-Palin website, John McCain's Principles for Climate Policy are,

Climate Policy Should Be Built On Scientifically-Sound, Mandatory Emission
Reduction Targets And Timetables.

Climate Policy Should Utilize A Market-Based Cap And Trade System.

Climate Policy Must Include Mechanisms To Minimize Costs And Work Effectively With Other Markets.

Climate Policy Must Spur The Development And Deployment Of Advanced Technology.

Climate Policy Must Facilitate International Efforts To Solve The Problem.

Find out more on John McCain

Green School Supplies

2008-09-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

It is that time again: Back to School. Students all over the US gear up for classes and with that come lots of new supplies. How can you make this year different? Are there good sources of green school supplies? We complied a few that offer a variety of earth-friendly office and school supplies.

One place you can start is GreenLine. They carry a large selection of paper items, notebooks, binders that are made from recycled products.

Red Apple School Supply has a line school and office supplies cleverly named Green Apple. These earth-friendly supplies are made of either recycled, reclaimed, or managed forest products.

YourGuideToGreen.com has a Back to School section with messenger bags made from recycled #1 PET water and soda bottles and organic cotton t-shirts.

TreeSmart pencils are made out of rolled up recycled newspaper - as you sharpen the pencil you will be able to see layers of newsprint at the tip.

And how about a stapler that doesn't use any staples. This handy staple-free stapler cuts out a sliver of paper and stitches the sheets together.

Article © Lisa A. Swan. Picture © aboutmyplanet.com
For more tips on how to make this school year greener...

ThermaRock Energy-Saving Drywall

2008-09-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

New ThermaRock XI (eXtreme Insulation) is the world's first wallboard that can reduce energy use and cost. ThermaRock provides an insulation R-value of up to R 4.1, compared to 0.5 for gypsum drywall. This substantially reduces heat transfer through un-insulated or insulated exterior walls, and reduces heating and cooling costs up to 30% as a result. Their models show potential savings of $1,700 per panel over the life of the product.

The use of high-performance drywall to add insulation uses much less floor space than other approaches, and makes it particularly valuable for retrofits. It can also be the only practical way to add insulation to masonry or cement walls. ThermaRock XI allows a much faster, simpler construction process than the alternative of building out an inner wall - which is especially helpful in owner-occupied situations for minimizing disruption, dust and hotel living expenses.

ThermaRock XI delivers its extreme performance by incorporating a 'blanket' of space-age aerogel, a low-density, high performance insulating material, into the panel itself. The product is used like standard drywall.

ThermaRock is available in a gypsum version, for use on wood or steel studs or over existing drywall, and a magnesium oxide version, for use on masonry or CMUs.

Article © Serious Materials

See PDF Data Sheet...

The Olympics: Green or Brown?

2008-08-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Beijing's pollution isn't a secret. But as part of its bid to secure the Olympic contract, the world's 13th filthiest city (according to a World Bank study) embarked on a massive cleanup. But can China really claim the summer games are green?

AIR POLLUTION

Green: Beijing authorities have claimed five straight years of air-quality improvement since 2002. Last year, Beijing's average daily Air Pollution Index was 100.69. Hoping to keep the reading below that Index for the duration of the games, Beijing has spent billions to close factories, stop construction and pull millions of cars off the roads each day in the last couple of weeks.

Brown: A National Resources Defense Council analyst recently questioned Beijing's five-year record, noting that two of seven air-quality monitoring devices were moved to less polluted locales in the city, and less stringent standards were set for the most hazardous particulate matters. What's more, an air pollution score under 100--a "blue sky" day in Beijing parlance--isn't the World Health Organization's definition of healthy air, nor likely the average tourist's. The Friday before last, for instance, was a relatively good day in Beijing, with a pollution score of 69. But compare that against a random selection of other cities--New York (16), London (22), Tokyo (20) and even America's smog capital, Los Angeles (30), and it's no wonder why a white mask is a regular accessory in Beijing.

DRINKING WATER

Green: In preparation for the
Olympics, Chinese authorities announced that
Beijing was the first city in the country
with potable water, after passing 106
cleanliness tests devised by the Chinese
government.

Brown: Secondary pollution from the city's old pipes means the water often has a strong metallic taste, residents complain. While officials have assured visitors that drinking water in the Olympic Village will be safe, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges Americans not to drink any water in China--unless it's been bottled, canned or boiled. And watch those water coolers--last year, half of them were found filled with tap water or from unregulated mom-and-pop suppliers--and then labeled with bogus safety seals.
Article © Rachel King, fastcompany.com

International Straw Bale Building Registry

2008-08-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Greenbuilder.com, The Last Straw Journal, The Straw Bale Association of Texas, and the Development Center for Appropriate Technology, along with a number of regional strawbale organizations, have put together an international straw bale registry to document the building throughout the world that have built from straw. The registry was started in 2001 and has almost 1,400 listings to date
The database is organized first by country and then by province or state. Homes and buildings open for visitors are listed for the public to view. Not all information is public. Visitors to the site can either register a building or search the public listings.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 9

2007-04-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Day 9 -

Weight Loss = 10.5 lbs

I made it through my 9 day cleanse! It was easy to get through today. I was busy at work and had a lecture to go to tonight - so my mind was on other things. I felt good today. A little hunger in the evening, but I ran out of lemonade in the afternoon and did not bring enough for "dinner" so I had to wait until I got home at 10pm. Tomorrow I begin to break the fast. Here is the proper way:
Tonight - Drink one last senna tea
Day 1 - Do one last SWF in the morning. The rest of the day, drink fresh squeezed orange juice (organic oranges) - 50% water and 50% OJ.
Day 2 - Continue drinking OJ, can make it stronger 25% water and 75% OJ. For dinner, make a vegetable soup - any vegetables you like boiled in spring or distilled water, add mild seasonings and sea salt for taste. Eat mostly the broth and few vegetables
Day 3 - Full strength OJ for breakfast, the rest of the soup and all the vegetables for lunch. For dinner, eat a salad or vegetables, a little bread and little oils.
Day 4 - resume normal eating, but avoid meat and dairy for as long as possible.

I may have to deviate a little from this plan, since Sunday is Easter, and I will be having dinner with the family.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 8

2007-04-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Day 8 -

Weight Loss = 8.5 lbs

I was doing pretty good today until about 4:00pm. I had to teach today, so I had to get up early and skipped the SWF. I easily made it through to lunch time without even feeling hungry. But as the afternoon went on and I had to continue lecturing and teaching, I started to wear down. By 5:00pm, I was hungry, tired and had a headache. Now, I am feeling very sleepy and am just ready to get to bed. I hope my headache eases. It is sometimes difficult to sleep when I have a bad headache. Tomorrow is my last day before I begin to break the fast - Tomorrow should be a good day.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 7

2007-04-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Day 7 -

Weight Loss = 8 lbs

Today was great. I had tons of energy. I was able to easily get out of bed, get to work, get all my work done, ect. Even my tennis class was good. I was feeling hungry the first part of class, but luckily I still had some lemonade left to drink. I did not loss any weight yesterday, but I think that is because I did not drink enough water yesterday. It is very important to keep drinking water all day. Remember the formula, 1/2 your body weight in ounces - this does not include other liquids such as the lemonade.
Tomorrow is a teaching day, so I will be gone from the house/work all day. I think that I will skip the SWF in the morning, because I will not have enough time. If you cannot do the SWF then you can drink the tea at night and then again the morning.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 6

2007-04-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

Day 6 -

Weight Loss = 8 lbs

I still have the swollen tongue thing. I hope it goes away soon, it is very bothersome. The SWF this morning was quick and almost painless - It is definitely my least favorite part, but it nice that it is getting easier. Today was a bit difficult - I was low on energy. I had a hard time getting to work and getting everything done. I ended up working late, just to catch up on everything I was suppose to do. The good thing about the MC is that I don't have to be home to eat dinner with my husband, so it is easy to work late. Tomorrow I have my tennis class, I am a bit worried I might be low on energy and not want to play for 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Maybe I will leave early if I am not feeling up to it. Well, time fore tea and bed.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 5

2007-04-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Day 5 -

Weight Loss = 7 lbs

We keep ourselves busy today with shopping and gardening. I did not feel very hungry today, except in the evening around what is normally dinner time. I did have one strange incident - the area under my tongue is swollen. It is very sensitive and hurts. I think this happened last time too. I am not sure why it happens, but it is a strange sensation. Otherwise today was uneventful...but we are officially over the half way mark, so it is all down hill from here.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 4

2007-03-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Day 4 -

Weight Loss = 6.5 lbs

The weekends can often be the hardest, because you are not usually as busy with work and other things during the work week. So to combat that, we scheduled a busy day of going out walking, a home and garden show, a movie and some shopping. It helps to keep your mind and body moving. If you spend to much time just sitting at home, the hungry will sneak up on you.
I noticed today my skin was very soft. My husband noticed too - I like this part of the detox, when you body starts to heal itself and you really start to feel good. So in all, today was good, no big problems with headaches and being hungry - I am definitely through the rough part. It should be downhill from here. I did notice I did not drink as much today, I am trying to catch up on my water now before I drink my tea and go to bed.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 3

2007-03-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Day 3 -

Weight Loss = 5.5 lbs

The SWF this morning was interesting. Normally it take 20 - 30 minutes to work its way through my system. Today, I was heading to the bathroom before I had even finished drinking all the water. It must have gone through it a few minutes. I am not sure if it means anything, maybe it is just a fluke or maybe it my system is getting cleared out and it can move through more quickly. Of course, it is only the third day and I image that I have long way to go before my cleanse is complete.

So anyway, the rest of the day was good...I was in a all day meeting, which helps keep you mind off things, especially food. I only felt a little hungry in the afternoon - it is definitely getting easier. Ok, I am off to bed.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 2

2007-03-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Day 2

Weight Loss = 4.5 lbs

So it looks like I lost a lot of weight but don't be fooled - it is simply just water and other stuff just leaving my body. This is common to have a large drop in pounds in the beginning, but it not going be a weight loss miracle. This the the weight that you will quickly gain back once you start eating again.

All in all today was a good day. My headache was gone when I woke up, which made the day easier. I was doing much better with energy and felt on hungry for a few hours in the afternoon.

In the evening, I went and sat in the spa for about 45 minutes, while I drink lots of water, and just soaked. It was very nice. One thing I noticed about doing the Master Cleanse, is that I feel cold and it is very hard to warm up. The spa definitely help me feel better. After, my husband and I took a long walk around our neighborhood. So that is pretty much it, much better day than yesterday, but I hope tomorrow is easier. From my previous experience, the third day is usually great.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 1 Night

2007-03-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ok. I made it through today! It was difficult. I was hungry and have a terrible headache. I was also cold all day. I can't seem to get warm. I know this is normal and it gets better - but it seems like it will take forever to get through the next few days. =(
So it is about time to drink my tea and head to bed. I hope I will feel better tomorrow.

Master Cleanse 3 - Day 1

2007-03-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Day 1 -

Weight Loss = 0 lbs

So here we are again. My husband and I have decided to do the Master Cleanse again. It has turned into an annual event, it seems. We have decided to only do it 9 days this time instead of ten, because we need to break the fast in time for my husband to go on a business trip and Easter is coming up with a big family dinner - although I doubt I will eat much on Easter.

A quick overview of the Master Cleanse (also called the Lemonade Diet) - There is a book written by Stanley Burroughs which outlines the simple full body detox. The idea is to give your stomach and digestive system a rest while flushing out all the toxins in your body.

The night before your start, you drink a senna tea, a natural laxative, just before you go to bed. I use a brand called Smooth Move I purchase from Wild Oats. The next morning you begin with a Salt Water Flush (SWF). The SWF is 32oz of luke warm water with two level teaspoons of sea salt. You drink the water as quickly as you can. The combination of the salt and the water is just right, so the salt nor the water is absorbed into the body. Instead, it runs right through your body, flushing your system. Be sure when you do the SWF that you are near a bathroom and do not have to leave quickly. I usually get up about 1 hour earlier to do the SWF. If you do not have time to do the SWF, you can drink the tea again in the morning.

For the rest of the day, you drink the lemonade.
Here is the recipe for a glass - drink at least 5 a day.
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
2 tablespoons organic grade B maple syrup (must be Grade B or C - Not A)
1/10 teaspoon (a small pinch!) cayenne pepper, gradually increase
10 oz spring or distilled water - room temp or luke warm

I have found it too sweet with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, so I only use one. You can also make a big batch to take with you to work and drink all day. Be sure to drink as much water as you can - the correct amount is half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 200 lbs, drink 100 ounces, if you are 120 lbs, drink 60 ounces, and so on.

Enough writing for now, I will give an update tonight.

Hugg It

2007-03-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

FOnd this new green news site - very cool!
From their About page:
"Hugg is a new project by TreeHugger —a source for user-generated green news. What does this mean? It's simple—how many times have you found an article, a video or a website that you’ve wanted to share with all your green friends? Well, Hugg lets you to share this stuff with everyone. Plus, it lets other users rate shared stories by Hugging them. All posts start out in the queue. Each time a story is Hugged, it climbs the ranks. If a story gets enough Huggs, it jumps up to the front page where it can be seen by everyone who visits. Step by step instructions on how to add your news is found on the Submit page. Hugg is a place to post and harvest the latest on green architecture, transportation, fashion, alternative energy, politics, products and technology. It's green media, by you, for you! "

~Lisa.

Jackson Pollock Site

2006-08-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Make your own Jackson Pollock Artwork - click to change colors, space bar to start over. Fun.

Get Human

2006-06-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ever calling a credit card company and have to go through several menus just to be put on hold. The GetHuman website is dedicated to helping you find out how to get to a human quickly. Find more here: gethuman database

What happened to the ¢ Sign

2006-06-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what happened to the ¢ sign? Read on....The Demise of the $.01 Sign

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 10

2006-05-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss - 8 lbs.

I made it to day 10...yeah! It was actually a pretty easy day. I had my class this morning, so I had to get up early again, but even that was not so bad. Today was my last day of teaching until August and I had to get final grades in, so I was at campus until late afternoon. I didn't drink much lemonade today. I was really just too busy until I got home. I drank 2 more glass for dinner and now I am finishing up with my tea for the night. Tomorrow I break my fast. Here the break down for coming off the Master Cleanse fast:

Last of MC - drink the senna tea before bed

Day 1 - Morning - do one last Salt Water Flush. For the rest of the day drink freshly squeezed orange juice (for organic oranges) dilute with half filtered water and half OJ.

Day 2 - Morning and Afternoon - Drink more orange juice, but only dilute with 1/4 water, meaning 1/4 filtered water and 3/4 fresh orange juice. In the evening, prepare a vegetable soup. Use any organic vegetables that you wish - celery, carrots, parsley, broccoli, garlic, etc. - you may also add a little brown rice or organic potatoes. Go easy on the rice and potatoes, mostly veggies. Also be careful about spices - add none or very light seasoning. Do not add salt. Cook until the veggies are soft but be careful not to over do it. Make enough for 2 meals.

Day 3 - Morning - Drink Orange Juice. Does not have to have any water. Lunch - Eat the rest of the soup. Dinner - eat a light vegan meal - salads or soup, nuts and grains, or a little bread, and oils. Stay away from dairy and meat.

Day 4 - Resume normal eating, but I would avoid dairy and meat for as long as possible, at least a few more days. Stanley Burroughs, the author of the Master Cleanse, recommends following a vegan diet after the completion of the fast.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 9

2006-05-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss: 6 lbs.

Well, gained 1/2 pound again. The weight fluctuaction I am sure is normal, but I feel like I am going backwards. Today was not as good as yesterday. I had to get up really early for an event I was going to be at all day. I was too tired to get up when my alarm clock went off the first time, so I ended up getting out of bed too late to do the SWF. Side Note - So if you do not or cannot do the SWF in the morning, you are supposed to drink the sienna tea in the evening and the morning. Which I did, but my tummy did not like it much. So it was tough sitting in the sun all day and not feeling well. Plus I kept having to go the the bathroom, which was inconvenient. Not to mention, I was hungry all day. By 6:00pm I had 7 lemonades and I still felt hungry. So all and all not a great day. BUT, tomorrow is my last day!!! I only have one more day of lemonade, then I can begin to break my fast on Tuesday morning. Very exciting.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 8

2006-05-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss: 6.5 lbs

Today was good. I had a class this morning which made the morning fly by. I did not feel hungry at all. I was quite full of energy and, overall, had a great day. Chris and I went out house shopping, which was a bit depressing here in Pasadena. It is amazing what 1/2 million dollars will buy you...(not much, in case you weren't sure.) But I will be excited to get into my own place one of these days.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 7

2006-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss: 5 lbs

Oh no, I gained a ½ pound. See I didn't do enough drinking yesterday and this is what the result was. My goal today was to catch up all the drinking that I should have done yesterday. I did pretty well. Had lots of water. On a happier note, I am now 7 days through and I only have 3 more to go. Last time, I only went 7 days, so this the next step for me. I have to admit, it get easier as the week goes by. This weekend will be very busy, so it should fly by.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 6

2006-05-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss: 5.5 lbs

I forgot to drink my tea last night! Oh, well. The SWF seems to work anyway. All the drinking I did yesterday seemed to help. 1.5 lbs of weight loss. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep up with yesterdays drinking. I only had 5 lemonades and about 20 oz of water, way less than I was suppose to. I am sure it will show tomorrow when I weigh myself. I also had a great massage today. My massage therapist friend is giving them to me for free to help the detox along. It felt wonderful. On a side note, Chris and I saw MI3 tonight the movie was very full of action, but had little plot, just one stunt after the other.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 5

2006-05-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Lose: 4 lbs

Today was uneventful. I had to get up early for my class, which is always difficult. I drank a ton today. I just keep drinking. I think it will help with the weight. The last time I did the Master Cleanse, the days I drank more, were the days that I lost the most. So we will see what the result is tomorrow.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 4

2006-05-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss: 3.5 lbs

Day 4 was uneventful. I wasn’t hungry today, a big plus. My energy is good. I had a long day at work so it keep my mind off of things for the most part. Tomorrow will be the half way mark! For some reason, it seems harder this time than last. I am not sure why, but I have struggled more this time around. We will see what tomorrow brings...another very early morning.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 3

2006-05-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss - 2 lbs

Day 3 was much better. Although getting up at 5:45am this morning was tough. The SWF was ok, but getting up so early was difficult for this nighttime girl. My class this morning was hard. I was hungry all morning. I brought a big bottle (32oz) of lemonade, but I had drank it all by 9am. My class was until 12pm. So I drank lots of water to make up for it, but it didn't really work. I don't think that any of my students noticed my growling stomach. I was, of course, exhausted by lunch time, so I headed home for a nap. This afternoon was the best so far. No hunger pains, no headache, and pretty good energy. Chris and I went for a long hour and half walk tonight when we got home. Unfortunately, the nap I took to today has got me wide awake now. So it may be difficult to get to bed tonight.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 2

2006-05-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss: 1.5 lb.

Ok, I made it through day 2 much easier. I have had very few hunger pains. I still have a dull headache, but better than yesterday. My energy was up today, but not great. I am going to get to bed early tonight. I have my class in the morning, so I am going to have to get up really early to do the SWF. I am not normally very good at getting up early and 5:30am is very early.

I promised the recipe for the lemonade, so here it is:

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon) - do not modify the amount of lemon juice.
2 tablespoons organic grade B maple syrup (must be Grade B or C - Not A) - I found 2 tablespoons to be too sweet, I have been using just one.
1/10 teaspoon (a small pinch!) cayenne pepper, gradually increase - I not even sure if I am using a pinch (this stuff is hot!)
10 oz spring or distilled water - room temp or lukewarm

Drink at least 6 glasses a day, not to exceed 12.

Master Cleanse 2 - Day 1

2006-05-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

So, i have just about made it through my first day on the MC. I was very hungry today, hopefully tomorrow will be better. I expected today to be difficult, so I am not surprised. The Salt Water Flush (SWF) was as bad as I remember. The SWF is one quart of lukewarm water (32 oz) with 2 teaspoons of sea salt. You drink it as fast as you can first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Within a hour it completely washes through your body. This morning it took about 20 minutes to go through my system. It is a rather strange feeling, but you do feel better once it is done. Hopefully this headache that arrived this evening will be gone tomorrow. I feel very tired right now. I will list the recipe for the Lemonade tomorrow.

Master Cleanse 2 - The Night Before

2006-05-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't heard of the Master Cleanse (MC) or the lemonade diet - it is a fast where you drink nothing but lemon juice in water with a pinch of cayenne pepper - for 10 days. Now I did this last year for 7 days, but this time around I am going for the full 10 days. It should be interesting - it many ways since I know what will happen, I know what to expect. However, since I know what to expect, there is a bit more dread. Last time around I had a really hard time with the first 2 days. And then on the 5th day, I was starving all day. Nothing I did would make me feel better. SO this time, there is little surprise involved. I know how my body will react. On the other hand, I know I can do it. I did it once, I can do it again. Of course, this time around I am doing it mostly for the weight loss, which is not the right reason to do it, but I am getting married in less than 2 months....so can you really blame me. The other reason for doing it is of course the detox aspect. Last year, I felt so great after I was done. It was the most amazing feeling to experience my body completely clean and fresh. It is hard to explain without experiencing it, but there is an amazing euphoric feeling associated with fasting. Anyway, it is the first night, and on the first night you start with a laxative tea, called Smooth Move (classy, I know). Starting with tonight, I will post my daily progress...so, stay tuned.

PODZINGER

2006-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here a search engine for podcasts. Nice way to find a topic easily. PODZINGER

Easy Scrollbar tool

2006-03-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

I found this great, easy-to-use scrollbar tool. Try it out. U-L-T-R-A'S Custom Scrollbar Maker

Where I have Traveled

2006-03-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

I found this tool which will create a map of all the places you have traveled.

Here are all the States I have visited:

California
Florida
Iowa
Massachusetts
Louisiana
Nebraska
Vermont
Virginia
Texas
Oregon
New Mexico
Nevada
Michigan
Illinois
DC
Arizona
Colorado
Hawaii
Indiana
New York
Utah
Washington
Ohio
West Virginia
Maryland
Delaware
Wisconsin
New Hampshire
Arkansas
Missouri
Mississippi

create your own visited states map

Here are all the Countries I have visited:

United States
Dominican Republic
Mexico
Virgin Islands
Netherlands Antilles
Bahamas
Austria
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Portugal
Switzerland
Vatican City
France
Luxembourg
Spain
Liechtenstein
Sweden
Japan
China

create your own visited countries map

Free CAD

2006-02-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

Free CAD programs.

I am often asked about cad programs, so here are few free CAD programs I have found.

ProgeCAD LT 2006

AllyCAD

Let me know if you know of any more.

California Prop 80

2005-11-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have been reading up on Prop 80. I was a bit confused to say the least. It seemed to be good for renewable energy - requiring the current energy sellers to increase renewable energy resource procurement by at least 1% each year, with 20% of retail sales procured from renewable energy by 2010, instead of current requirement of 2017. And removing the restriction that once the 20% is met they do not have to do anything more.

However, it seems that just about every organization I would normally support is against it -
California Solar Energy Industries Association and Geothermal Energy Association. So it decided to look a bit deeper.

it seems that the although deregulation has it moments of weakness in 2000 and 2001, other states have strived with deregulation. It also has encouraged more renewable sources. And I am all for more renewable energy. I found this article below to be very informative and help me make my choice to vote No on Prop 80.

TerraBlog from TerraPass | California Prop-80 and Renewable Energy: tit-for-tat or just plain tat?

Skype - The whole world can talk for free.

2005-10-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Skype is very cool. You can make call to anywhere in the world for free, as long as the download the software.

Skype is a "softphone" - a software-based telephone that uses a computer, cellphone, PDA, or any other equipment connected to the Web to deliver voice with simultaneous file transfer and instant messagover thethe Internet. It is different from "voice over Internet protocol" (VOIP) networks because Skype is a peer-to-peer system. It creates a computer-to-computer connection over the internet between the Skype users. This connection does not require a central network and therefore there is no middleman, so calls are free.

Check out Skype

Google Earth Launched

2005-06-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Google's highly anticipated Google Earth is now available. The program allows you to view maps, satellite imagery and images of nearly every corner of the world. Just enter an address or a latitude/longitude and you can view roads, boundaries, schools, buildings, and more. Type in a second address and you will "fly" to the next location. Very cool...The personal version is free.

Google Earth

Google Wallet May Compete With Paypal

2005-06-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Google has not said much about their Google Wallet project but we know this: Google CEO Schmidt said in an interview with the Associated Press:
"We do not intend to offer a person-to-person, stored-value payments system. The payment services we are working on are a natural evolution of Google's existing online products and advertising programs which today connect millions of consumers and advertisers."

Well. I hope they come stomp on PayPal a bit - they need a good reality check - we all need it.

Google Wallet May Compete With Paypal

EPIC Marketing

2005-05-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

In the Year 2014 the New York Times has gone offline and the news as we know it has changed... What happened? Watch This....EPIC 2014

Now that you have watched it...

I believe we will reach some portion of EPIC proportions. We are well going down that path at the moment, as the video suggests. Those which survive the internet and media revolution will be those which accept it. In marketing, the collection of data – like our discussion of TiVo – will become priceless. It will be imperative to know and understand each customer – or at least have a program which can sort through it. Ironically, in architecture, we already serve each customer with a specialized result. Each customer receives a custom designed home, one which was a result of much time and effort to get to know the client and their needs. Of course, I currently use an archaic approach of one-on-one meetings.

Master Cleanse - One Week Later

2005-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Total Weight Loss - 9.5 lbs.

So it is been 6 days since I stopped drinking lemonade. I have been slowly reintroducing food back into my diet. I had orange juice the first two days, then moved into soups and plain salad (no dressings or oils, just vegetables), then added oils and bread. On day 4, I had eggs.
Mother’s Day was difficult, because it was the first day after the cleanse, and all I could drink was orange juice. I was surrounded by amazing Italian food and everyone was enjoying their meal, while I had glass of oj. It was a conversation starter though. I took center stage, explaining everything I did for the week and all the different hardships and triumphs. It turned out to be ok.
It is day 6 and I still have not had any dairy, meat, caffeine or alcohol. It is hard to eat at a restaurant without eating dairy or meat. Now, I haven’t eaten red meat or pork in about 13 years, so I am use to that. But I never noticed how much dairy I eat. I eat a lot of cheese. I have been continuing to lose weight and I think it is due to eating mostly veggies, rice and bread. My stomach has felt pretty good to. I think I may try to cut back on the dairy in general.
I have also not had a Diet Coke in 13 days - pretty amazing. That is also hard in restaurants, I don't know what to order, so I just get water. Oh, my continued weight loss might also be due to the enormous amount of water I have continued to drink. Since Diet Coke is out, I have continued to drink a lot of water throughout the day and during my meals.

Master Cleanse Fasting Tips

2005-05-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Water:

Drink - Drink - Drink. You must drink half your body weight in oz of water a day. For example if you weight 140 lbs, drink 70oz of water a day. This must be distilled or spring water. All other drinks do not count, this in addition to whatever else you drink during the day.

The results for weight loss were much better when I drank the right amount of water. When I didn't, I did not loss weight. Drinking more lemonade also helped with the weight loss - it may be counter intuitive, but it works.

Lemonade:

Always use the exact amount of lemon juice (2 tablespoons per glass), but you can vary with the maple syrup. I found less syrup tasted better.

If the cayenne pepper is too much, start with half and build up to correct amount. It is ok to put more in too. If you are really having a hard time with the cayenne pepper, try the capsules. But always put a small pinch on your tongue before you take the pill. The body prepares the stomach lining for the pepper why it touches your tongue. If you just swallow the capsule, it will put your stomach and body in shock.

Salt Water Flush (SWF):

If if it hard to drink quickly, try using a straw. It helps it go down faster.

If the recipe (2 teaspoons of sea salt to 32oz or luke warm water) is not working, meaning it is not rushing through your body and expelling bowel movements within an hour - try adjusting the salt by 1/2 teaspoon either way till you find the right formula for your body. You will know when you have it right.

To accelerate the movements, try lying on your right side.

If you feel like you have to pass gas, cough or sneeze - DON'T - until you are on the toilet. Not a fun lesson to learn.

Seena Smooth Move Tea:

If you get cramps in the middle of the night or in the early morning from the tea, try seeping it just 2 or 3 minutes the next time. And slowly buildup to the 10 or 15 minutes. I found 10 minutes to be perfect for me.

Master Cleanse - Day 7 Night

2005-05-07T23:19:00.000-07:00

I made it! Yeah. Tonight was difficult. I went to a stadium race and everyone was eating tacos, nachos, funnel cake. None of this food is stuff I would eat normally, but it all smelled so good and I just wanted to participate. I luckily was able to bring in a large bottle of lemonade and just kept drinking.

So this is the end. I am proud of myself for making it this far. It has been enlightening and a challenge. Next time I am going to try a veggie juice cleanse.

Master Cleanse - Day 7 Morning

2005-05-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Day 7...

Weight Loss: 5.5 lbs.

I made it to the last day! I am very excited. I am guessing my lack of weight loss is due to the lack of drinking yesterday. I am going to drink LOTS of water today. I am determined now. I figured out the trick - Drink! It really works.

So I woke up again around 6am with terrible cramps. Not nearly as bad as Day 3, but still uncomfortable. I was able to get back to bed ok and felt much better when I woke up. For some strange reason, the salt water did not taste a salty today. I even double checked that I used the right measuring spoon. I guess I am getting use to it - just when I am stopping. I am still glad this was my last SWF. It was not my favorite part.

Master Cleanse - Day 6 Night

2005-05-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

I cannot I believe I have made it this far. One more day to go... I am very excited. I was feeling hungry again today. But I think that it was due to my lack of drinking. I was busy with meetings and work and school and only drank the minimum of the lemonade and barely half of the water. I think I had about 1 quart of water total. I will have to wait and see if it has an effect on me tomorrow. It seems easier when you are more hydrated.

So I noticed something else today - my skin looks great. Now, not to toot my own horn, but normally I have very nice skin. I rarely, if ever, get blemishes. It is even in color, blah blah. But today it looked amazing. I am not sure what, maybe a glow. It is softer than usual too. I even got a compliment on it (and also my weight) . I didn't notice the 5.5 lbs, but other did. Just when I thought I had nothing new to gain from this 7 days - voila.

Well I have to get my tea down and go to bed. Check in tomorrow for the final day!

Master Cleanse - Day 6 Morning

2005-05-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Day 6...

Weight Loss - 5.5 lbs.

Ok. It is not morning, but I made it through ok. I am feeling good today. Much better than yesterday, and you can see that the extra fluids worked on my weight. Well, live and learn - I am going to just keep drinking today. The salt water flush was hard today. I felt like throwing up, but I didn't. I made it through ok. I felt much better afterwards. I am off to work and my appointments.

Master Cleanse - Day 5 Night

2005-05-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

I had the worst hunger pains today. My stomach was growling. I just keep drinking though. I had about 70oz of lemonade and about 50oz of water. Not quite my goal, but I am working up. I thought 2 or 3 times today of seriously breaking my fast. I am not sure why I was so hunger today. I think it may have been mental. But the growling was definitely real - first time since Sunday. I also had a bad day of rumbling in my stomach and even a little gas. Which I guess is ok, but I was surprised, why today? I would have expected it in the beginning, but what do I know this is my first time detoxing. I think I have also hit a mucus stage. The stage where your bowel movements are like a yellow mucus (sorry to be graphic). I guess that is a good sign, it means things are passing through, which is the whole point. It may have had something to do with my upset stomach too.

Well, I have two days left, and I have made it this far, so I am not giving up. I can make it - even with hunger pains!

Master Cleanse - Day 5 Morning

2005-05-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Day 5...

Weight Loss - 3 lbs.

So I am not sure why I have not loss anymore weight. I know this is not the reason why I did it, but it was to be expected and it is not happening. So I am wondering if I am doing something wrong. I think I will try drinking more today. I found it quite hard even to drink the 60oz of lemonade I have been drinking, plus maybe 32oz of water. It is almost noon and I am not even done with my first glass. But I am going to make a conscious effort today to drink at least 80oz of lemonade.

Someone suggested I try the Salt Water Flush with straw. Boy - that was much better. I was able to drink it much faster and consistently. Definitely going to continue with that...

Master Cleanse - Day 4 Night

2005-05-04T23:37:00.000-07:00

Today was uneventful. I have been having lower back pain. But I was told to expect that and my tongue is fuzzy and white. It is suppose to turn pink when I am cleansed, but it can take awhile, maybe longer than 7 days... I have been reading and posting on a daily forum - Health Forums ... Fasting & Juicing Forums.. Message Boards

I did have food cravings today, not hunger pains, but cravings for foods I love - sandwiches, pasta, quesadillas, and a Caesar salad. I surprisingly have not had any craving for Diet Coke, which is my biggest weakness. I know I drink too much, I hope the lemonade diet will cure my cravings.

Master Cleanse - Day 4 Morning

2005-05-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

Day 4...

Weight Loss - 3 lbs.

So my weight hasn't changed from yesterday, but that is ok. I feel good. I found I like the lemonade better with half the maple syrup, which may help with the weight loss. We will see.

Did you even notice how much of our lives revolve around food. Last night I was invited to go out for drinks with some friends, but I had to turn them down. It was too much temptation. A good friend of mine called to make plans for Friday, when I realized all the things we normally do - go for a drink or dinner or coffee was out. We decided on a movie. I never thought I would have to struggle to find something to do with a friend. Food is so integrated into our lives. I am definitely a social eater. I don;t eat much at home, maybe a turkey sandwich. But when I am out with my friends or my boyfriend, I tend to eat more. Or at least, I consume more calories, with drinks and appetizer This last few days has given me an interesting look into my social behavior.

Master Cleanse - Day 3 Night

2005-05-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

I feel great. My energy is up and my headache is gone. I even spent some time in the sauna tonight – which felt worderful. Many of the symptoms I was told I would experience - fuzzy tongue, elation, etc - are all happening. Did I mention, I have been feeling cold... I kept getting goose bumps, even when it is not that cold. I also smelled a little funny today. I am not one to smell - I could go a day without deodorant without much trouble. But today, I noticed my own smell, and it was not good. I hope this phase passes soon.
But all-in-all I feel great. Just drinking my tea and getting ready for bed. I hope I can surpass the early morning cramps - I don't want a repeat of this morning.

Master Cleanse - Day 3 Morning

2005-05-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Day 3...

Weight Loss - 3 lbs.

Wow - So I woke up at 5:00am with the worst cramps - I guess I spoke too soon about the senna tea. I spent a good 10 minutes in the bathroom and felt like I was going to pass out. I was light headed and spinning. My skin was clammy. I really needed a drink a water. Once I was able to get out of the bathroom, I headed for the kitchen for a glass a water and put a cold wash cloth on my face. I felt much better and went back to slept until 11:00am...

Now it is 1:00pm and I feel great! My headache is gone - finally. I am off to work today! Yeah!

Master Cleanse - Day 2 Night

2005-05-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ok - My headache is not gone yet. I really hope I can get through this. If my headache is not gone by tomorrow, I am going to scream. My food cravings were less today. I only felt hungry around my normal dinner time. I also stopped using the cayenne pepper in powder form. I walked to Wild Oats today and bought more maple syrup, mint tea and cayenne capsules. The capsules burn a bit when they hit my stomach, but it makes drinking the lemonade much better. I have had no problems with the senna tea. I have had no craps yesterday or today. I have been enjoying the tea, actually.

I hope I can do better tomorrow - I took two naps today. I didn't even go to work. The only real activity I did was walking to the store. I have to go to work tomorrow

Master Cleanse - Day 2 Morning

2005-05-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Day 2...

Weight Loss - 2.5 lbs.

Well my headache is still here, but much better - Almost livable. The salt water flush was a bit harder today. I couldn't drink it very fast - but I did make it cooler so it was easier to drink. I am not feeling hungry, but I usually don't eat much in the early part of the day.

Master Cleanse - Day 1 Night

2005-05-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

I have a terrible headache. It has only gotten worse - it is turning into a migrane. I was tired today. I ended up taken a nap around 6:00pm. It may have something to do with my headache. I also have a runny nose. I guess this is to be expected. I think it is the cayenne. I am definitely hungry - but I am trying not to think about food. I am determined to make it - I have too much will power to give up.
So the lemonade was spicy. I had to make the second batch with half the cayenne. I just could not drink it with all the spice. I have to drink my senna tea and go to bed. It will be the only way to get rid of this headache... I hope it goes away.

Master Cleanse - Day 1 Afternoon

2005-05-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I bought all the ingredients for the lemonade. I started at Trader Joes, but they did not have the senna tea or any organic lemons. I bought some of their lemons anyway since I was there. I then headed over to Wild Oats, now I have never been to Wild Oats - and I love it. They have everything that TJ has and more, including a full deli and salad bar - once I go back to eating again, I will have to go over there for some food. At Wild Oats, I was able to find everything I need, including organic lemons. So I guess I will use the one I bought from TJ, since I have them.

--

Here is the recipe for a glass - drink at least 5 a day.
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
2 tablespoons organic grade B maple syrup (must be Grade B or C - Not A)
1/10 teaspoon (a small pinch!) cayenne pepper, gradually increase
10 oz spring or distilled water - room temp or luke warm

I am making a large recipe - this is for the whole day. I put it into two 32 oz lexon plastic bottles.

12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice
12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) organic grade B maple syrup
a little over half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or more to taste
60 oz spring or distilled water

--

So I made my first drink - I am not use to spicy foods and the cayenne pepper is HOT. I hope I can get use to it... and I still have my headache - but it is getting better.

Master Cleanse - Day 1 Morning

2005-05-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Day 1...

Weight Loss - 0 lbs.

So I have begun. I still have my headache from last night. I hope I can get through the day ok. The senna tea seemed to work, even before the salt water flush (SWF).

The recipe for the SWF is 32oz (1 quart) or lukewarm water with 2 level teaspoons of sea salt (not table salt). Drink the entire quart quickly and wait. It will pass through in about an hour - don't leave the house until you are "done."

So that is the recipe - but it did not go quite as planned. First, I wanted to make the water warm, so I used my tea kettle. However, I was too warm and I waited for it to cool down. But it didn't really cool down much and it was hard to drink fast. It took me a few minutes to drink, which is not really fast. Although it didn't really taste bad - I was expecting worse. It did work through my system very quickly - within 15 minutes I was heading to the bathroom.

Here is website with more info....Lemon Cleanse

Master Cleanse - The Night Before

2005-04-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

So I have psyched myself up to start the Master Cleanse (MC) or the lemonade diet tomorrow. I have been reading blogs, diaries, and message boards all day. I am ready to begin my detoxification.

I have a headache, which in itself is not unusually, I often have headaches. I will see how I feel tomorrow.

I have begun the pre-MC with the Smooth Move senna tea which you are suppose to drink the night before you begin the MC. It actually doesn't taste bad. I like it - A little spicy and sweet. I taste a bit of licorice. It is suppose to take effect in 8-12 hours. I hope I can get through the night ok - I hear people often get cramps. So this is the beginning - I will see you in the morning.

Fasting

2005-04-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a lot of reading on fasting, specifically juice fasting. Throughout my life I have gotten headaches and migraines. I am hoping a detoxification regime will help. Not to mention the added benefit of weight loss. One can expected to loss 2lbs a day and 1/2 of which will be gained back after the end of the fast. I have been reading up on the lemonade diet or the master cleanse process. I will post the recipe I use once I get started.

I plan on starting my fast on Sunday, tomorrow. I am going to keep a daily dairy. I hope to go 7 days, however, I am not sure if (a) I will last that long or (b) I will love it and try to go longer. I have no idea how my body or mind will react to the fasting. If anything, this will be a test of the "mind over matter" theory. Growing up, my mother always told me my mind can control everything within my body - so this week I hope it can keep me from feeling hungry or tired or going through caffeine withdrawals - or anything else that I have not even thought of yet...

So stay tuned to my daily dairy.

CRM and Loyality Cards

2005-04-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

For my MBA we were posed with this question:

Many casinos like Harrah's use CRM strategies to aggressively target loyalty programs to the middle-aged and retirees with time (and presumably) the discretionary income to spend on gambling entertainment. By estimating a customer's propensity to gamble and comparing that with their past gambling behavior, Harrah's can target players with untapped gambling revenue potential.

Some argue that loyalty programs like these used by casinos could lead to an increase in the incidence of problem gamblers among these socio-demographic groups, and therefore, such marketing practices are unethical and should be regulated.

Answer the question, How can casinos get the maximum marketing benefit from their loyalty programs and lower the incidence of problem gamblers?

So what do I think?

The discussion is an interesting one. Let me preface this by saying, I tend to take a very liberal view on subjects such as these. In general, I believe people should be responsible for there own behavior. If I get a credit card application in the mail everyday and then apply for every single one and charge them to the limit - it is my fault. I did not have to get the credit cards, nor do I have to spend the money. With all that said, I don't believe it is the casino's responsibility to solve the problems of the gamblers with a disorder. Of course, should they be capitalizing on it? I don't think so.

GreenZap - The new PayPal

2005-04-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of GreenZap? They are an online payment site (similar to PayPal), except much more rewarding.

Their website doesn't officially launch until this summer, but you can pre-register now and earn some great rewards. Plus, if you open an account now, you'll get $25 from me!

$25 for signing up with GreenZap