Pale Blue Dot...
This makes me cry. This video inspires me to appreciate the fragile beauty of this precious earth. He tried to tell us...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
November 9th: Celebrate Carl Sagan’s 75th With Longtime Collaborator Ann Druyan
November 9th: Celebrate Carl Sagan’s 75th
This makes me cry. This video inspires me to appreciate the fragile beauty of this precious earth. He tried to tell us...
This makes me cry. This video inspires me to appreciate the fragile beauty of this precious earth. He tried to tell us...
Solar Santa: Solar Powered Christmas Tree Lights
Set of 12 Solar Hanging Tree OrnamentsItem #77522
Reg. $480.00
Sale Price $299.99
4 Hanging Solar Balls, 4 Different Hanging Acrylic Snowflakes, 4 Hanging Solar 8" Moravian Starbursts.
Our panel housing is made from high-impact UV resistant Glass-filled Nylon material. Will last for many years outdoors in bright sunlight.
We use Tempered Glass to protect the solar panel .
Tempered Glass will not yellow under UV rays.
Our lights are 4-5 times brighter than the competition. Charge our panel for 8 hrs in full sun to get 16 hrs of steady light, or 30 hrs of flashing light.
What if it rains?
Our solar panel is fully gasketed and waterproof, the on/off switch is waterproof, the multi-function switch is waterproof, and the LEDs on the string light are waterproof.
Wow, some day when they come down in price I want this most decadent of splendors!
The Planetary Society: LightSail- A Multi-Mission Project
It's the biggest project in our history.
The Planetary Society is taking solar sailing to the next level…
Our solar sail is back! The Planetary Society is building a spacecraft that will sail on sunlight alone by the end of 2010. The new solar sail project, boosted by a one-million-dollar anonymous donation, is the beginning of an innovative program that will launch three separate spacecraft over the course of several years.
Our program -- called LightSail -- begins with our LightSail-1 mission, which will demonstrate that sunlight can propel a spacecraft in Earth orbit. LightSail 2 and 3, more ambitious still, will reach farther into space.
What is Solar Sailing?
Solar sail propulsion is simple in concept. Light photons bounce onto a mirror-like aluminized Mylar sail. As each photon hits, its momentum is transmitted to the spacecraft.
It is nice to dream...
Friday, December 4, 2009
Grist: How to explain Copenhagen to a comedian
Grist: How to explain Copenhagen to a comedian
COP15 is climate geek-speak for the 15th annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. climate convention.
SORRY WE SCREWED UP THE PLANET
Probably the biggest tension at the conference is between the rich, developed world (that’s us!) and the developing world—i.e. the Third World, those billions of people whose lives just aren’t very cushy.
The poor countries say: “You guys got to grow rich by burning coal for 200 years. Now you want us to give up our dreams of 24-hour electricity and shopping malls? How dare you!”
That, in a nutshell, explains much of the diplomatic wrangling over global climate action.
FOLLOW THE MONEY, PART 1
Poor countries want to save the world too. But it’s gonna cost money—rich countries’ money. Probably the biggest obstacle on the international scene to getting a climate deal is figuring out how to pay to help poor nations prepare for a climate-changed world—a.k.a. “climate adaptation.”
FOLLOW THE MONEY, PART 2
The business community is all over the map when it comes to climate action. The usual “bad guy” suspects oppose efforts to curb carbon emissions. And conservatives the world over say carbon trading or carbon taxes amount to just another effort to choke economic growth and feed big government.
The “good guys” in the biz world are a pretty diverse lot. Some are clean energy and technology types who will profit from shifting toward renewable energy sources and efficiency. Some are responding to consumer pressure to at least look like they are doing something to save the world. Some business leaders may actually be concerned about the state of the planet. It’s a motley crew.
THE PRICKLY PLAYERS
Getting a climate treaty approved will require balancing the competing interests of countries that aren’t exactly Third World and aren’t exactly rich—Russia, China, India, Brazil (for starters). Each of these countries could make or break a deal.
Russia: Besides being a KGB/Mafia-run autocracy, it’s a huge energy producer. There’s lots of oil in Russia’s Far East, and tons of natural gas (which Europe relies on).
China: If China’s economy fails to grow, the Communist-in-name-only regime will be toppled. Right now, the 5-6 percent annual growth Beijing needs is being achieved by burning lots of coal. China’s leaders do understand that climate change is real. They are pumping bagillions of yuan into clean energy and technology research. But it’ll be a while before that pays off, so for now the Chinese don’t want to commit to firm carbon caps.
India: If you think America is tricky to engage, take a look at India. Despite all the economic growth there in the past two decades, much of the country remains very poor. India’s leaders are saying two different things: to Indian voters, they’re saying, “Screw the West, we’ll grow however we want.” To the West, “We understand the climate challenge. We want to be part of the solution.”
Brazil: Here’s another increasingly rich country that needs continued economic growth to deal with its own poverty problem. It’s gonna cost the West some serious $ to keep the Amazon forest from being slashed and burned. What this means is that a powerful voice will be speaking on behalf of poor countries that are looking to get paid for not chopping down their forests.
KEEP HOPE ALIVE?
Yeah, Obama won the election! Everything is immediately better, right?
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN MEXICO!
COP16 will happen next December in Mexico. Obama and other world leaders recently said they will reach a “politically binding agreement” in Copenhagen, which is fancy diplomatic speak for, “We’ll hunker down in our Danish study hall and bang out as much homework as we can, but there’s no way we’re getting this project turned in before next semester.”
This would be funnier if it weren't true.
COP15 is climate geek-speak for the 15th annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. climate convention.SORRY WE SCREWED UP THE PLANET
Probably the biggest tension at the conference is between the rich, developed world (that’s us!) and the developing world—i.e. the Third World, those billions of people whose lives just aren’t very cushy.
The poor countries say: “You guys got to grow rich by burning coal for 200 years. Now you want us to give up our dreams of 24-hour electricity and shopping malls? How dare you!”
That, in a nutshell, explains much of the diplomatic wrangling over global climate action.
FOLLOW THE MONEY, PART 1
Poor countries want to save the world too. But it’s gonna cost money—rich countries’ money. Probably the biggest obstacle on the international scene to getting a climate deal is figuring out how to pay to help poor nations prepare for a climate-changed world—a.k.a. “climate adaptation.”
FOLLOW THE MONEY, PART 2
The business community is all over the map when it comes to climate action. The usual “bad guy” suspects oppose efforts to curb carbon emissions. And conservatives the world over say carbon trading or carbon taxes amount to just another effort to choke economic growth and feed big government.
The “good guys” in the biz world are a pretty diverse lot. Some are clean energy and technology types who will profit from shifting toward renewable energy sources and efficiency. Some are responding to consumer pressure to at least look like they are doing something to save the world. Some business leaders may actually be concerned about the state of the planet. It’s a motley crew.
THE PRICKLY PLAYERS
Getting a climate treaty approved will require balancing the competing interests of countries that aren’t exactly Third World and aren’t exactly rich—Russia, China, India, Brazil (for starters). Each of these countries could make or break a deal.
Russia: Besides being a KGB/Mafia-run autocracy, it’s a huge energy producer. There’s lots of oil in Russia’s Far East, and tons of natural gas (which Europe relies on).
China: If China’s economy fails to grow, the Communist-in-name-only regime will be toppled. Right now, the 5-6 percent annual growth Beijing needs is being achieved by burning lots of coal. China’s leaders do understand that climate change is real. They are pumping bagillions of yuan into clean energy and technology research. But it’ll be a while before that pays off, so for now the Chinese don’t want to commit to firm carbon caps.
India: If you think America is tricky to engage, take a look at India. Despite all the economic growth there in the past two decades, much of the country remains very poor. India’s leaders are saying two different things: to Indian voters, they’re saying, “Screw the West, we’ll grow however we want.” To the West, “We understand the climate challenge. We want to be part of the solution.”
Brazil: Here’s another increasingly rich country that needs continued economic growth to deal with its own poverty problem. It’s gonna cost the West some serious $ to keep the Amazon forest from being slashed and burned. What this means is that a powerful voice will be speaking on behalf of poor countries that are looking to get paid for not chopping down their forests.
KEEP HOPE ALIVE?
Yeah, Obama won the election! Everything is immediately better, right?
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN MEXICO!
COP16 will happen next December in Mexico. Obama and other world leaders recently said they will reach a “politically binding agreement” in Copenhagen, which is fancy diplomatic speak for, “We’ll hunker down in our Danish study hall and bang out as much homework as we can, but there’s no way we’re getting this project turned in before next semester.”
This would be funnier if it weren't true.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Watt Will They Think Of Next? Water Powered LED Shower Light
Sylvania LED Eco-Light
"The Sylvania LED Ecolight Water Powered Shower Light is a multifunctional product that can make showering both safe and energy efficient.
There is a built-in LED light that requires no batteries or wiring; it converts incoming water pressure into a power supply.
A built-in sensor will change the color of the LED to let you know the approximate water temperature. Now you won't have to be shocked by freezing water or burned by scalding water; also great for kids. Both the LED light and the showerhead connection pivot up and down and side to side for added safety.
By using this LED you can go without using your standard bathroom light in the morning or evening and save energy. With this clever bathroom product you can enjoy innovative lighting technology in a practical way.
Well, this is innovative in that the water pressure powers a small electromagnetic turbine unit and never needs batteries but I sincerely doubt it lights up enough to be able to turn off the bathroom light. I would still use electricity to heat up the water, maybe use more if I like the purple color the light changes into when it is goldilocks warm.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
How is America going to end? Slate's "Choose Your Own Apocalypse" lets you map out the death of the United States. - By Josh Levin - Slate Magazine
How is America going to end? Slate's "Choose Your Own Apocalypse"!
A few of the best ways for it to all come to a screeching halt:
13. Peak Oil: Petroleum production reaches terminal decline. Oil becomes too expensive to extract, and alternative energies can't maintain our fossil-fuel-dependent lifestyle. The developed world goes kaput, with gas-happy America leading the way to the gutter.
14. Peak Water: The overpopulated, overheated Southwest runs out of H20, instigating mass migration to Canada.
19. Geothermal Energy: In the post-petroleum age, we generate electricity by drilling into the Earth's interior to extract stored heat; we drill too deeply, causing massive earthquakes.
20. Nuclear Waste: Yucca Mountain and other nuclear storage facilities begin to leak radioactive waste. Everyone gets cancer.
26. Math and Science: American math and science aptitude deteriorates, killing innovation in the tech sector and pushing America to the back of the line of post-industrial economies.
27. Intelligent Design: Creationists succeed in getting evolution pushed out of textbooks. Scientific illiteracy dooms America to second-class status.
51. Supercollider: Legend has it that Switzerland's Large Hadron Collider could generate "mini black holes" that devour the universe. Turns out that idea was based on faulty science. But maybe the people who discovered the faulty science were themselves using faulty science. Eh, probably not.
104. Megadrought: According to Mark Lynas' Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet, if the world gets one degree warmer, the Great Plains are at risk of turning into an expanse of sand dunes. Bad news for American agriculture (and everyone who lives in Nebraska).
105. Climate Migration: Refugees from Mexico, the Southwest, and coastal cities flee the devastation wrought by climate change, overwhelming the American cities that remain healthy.
109. Bottled Water: We continue to drink the stuff in prodigious amounts, and all the phthalates in the bottles cause massive health problems, including infertility.
I vote for the bottled water getting us all in the end. Oh, the irony.
A few of the best ways for it to all come to a screeching halt:
13. Peak Oil: Petroleum production reaches terminal decline. Oil becomes too expensive to extract, and alternative energies can't maintain our fossil-fuel-dependent lifestyle. The developed world goes kaput, with gas-happy America leading the way to the gutter.
14. Peak Water: The overpopulated, overheated Southwest runs out of H20, instigating mass migration to Canada.
19. Geothermal Energy: In the post-petroleum age, we generate electricity by drilling into the Earth's interior to extract stored heat; we drill too deeply, causing massive earthquakes.
20. Nuclear Waste: Yucca Mountain and other nuclear storage facilities begin to leak radioactive waste. Everyone gets cancer.
26. Math and Science: American math and science aptitude deteriorates, killing innovation in the tech sector and pushing America to the back of the line of post-industrial economies.
27. Intelligent Design: Creationists succeed in getting evolution pushed out of textbooks. Scientific illiteracy dooms America to second-class status.
51. Supercollider: Legend has it that Switzerland's Large Hadron Collider could generate "mini black holes" that devour the universe. Turns out that idea was based on faulty science. But maybe the people who discovered the faulty science were themselves using faulty science. Eh, probably not.
104. Megadrought: According to Mark Lynas' Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet, if the world gets one degree warmer, the Great Plains are at risk of turning into an expanse of sand dunes. Bad news for American agriculture (and everyone who lives in Nebraska).
105. Climate Migration: Refugees from Mexico, the Southwest, and coastal cities flee the devastation wrought by climate change, overwhelming the American cities that remain healthy.
109. Bottled Water: We continue to drink the stuff in prodigious amounts, and all the phthalates in the bottles cause massive health problems, including infertility.
I vote for the bottled water getting us all in the end. Oh, the irony.
CRUDE: A Joe Berlinger Film
The inside story of the infamous “Amazon Chernobyl” case, Crude is a real-life high stakes legal drama, set against a backdrop of the environmental movement, global politics, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, the media, multinational corporate power, and rapidly-disappearing indigenous cultures.
Presenting a complex situation from multiple viewpoints, the film subverts the conventions of advocacy filmmaking, exploring a complicated situation from all angles while bringing an important story of environmental peril and human suffering into focus.
The plot thickens... it is good to see a quality documentary inspiring true activism.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Harnessing the power of salt, Norway tries osmotic power
Blue Power?
After wind, sun, currents and tides, a company is preparing to make clean electricity by harnessing another natural phenomenon, the energy-unleashing encounter of freshwater and seawater.
"It is a form of renewable energy which, unlike solar or wind power, produces a predictable and stable amount of energy regardless of the weather," explained Stein Erik Skilhagen, in charge of the project at state-owned Statkraft, which specialises in renewable energies.
Osmotic energy is based on the principle that nature is constantly seeking balance, and plays on the different concentration levels of liquids.
When freshwater and seawater meet on either side of a membrane -- a thin layer that retains salt but lets water pass -- freshwater is drawn towards the seawater side. The flow puts pressure on the seawater side, and that pressure can be used to drive a turbine, producing electricity.
Thank you PhysOrg, you never let me down.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
What, exactly, makes a rocket fuel environmentally friendly?
What, exactly, makes a rocket fuel environmentally friendly?
NASA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) have successfully launched a nine-foot rocket to a height of 1,300ft using an environmentally-friendly rocket propellant made of a mixture of water and “nanoscale aluminum” powder. The fuel, called ALICE, has the consistency of toothpaste with a high burn rate and achieved a maximum thrust of 650 pounds during this test.
The aluminum-ice, or ALICE, propellant is considered “green” because it produces essentially hydrogen gas and aluminum oxide. This is compared to current space shuttle flights, which consume about 773 tons of the oxidizer ammonium perchlorate in the solid booster rockets, with about 230 tons of hydrochloric acid appearing immediately in the exhaust from such flights.
ALICE provides thrust through a chemical reaction between water and aluminum. As the aluminum ignites, water molecules provide oxygen and hydrogen to fuel the combustion until all of the powder is burned. The key to the propellant’s performance is the tiny size of the aluminum particles, which have a diameter of about 80 nanometers. The nanoparticles combust more rapidly than larger particles and enable better control over the reaction and the rocket’s thrust.
I wish I had thought of that. Yeah, Purdue!
350.org Which "Scientists" and "Leading Climatologists"? Oh, Well.
What does the number 350 mean?
350 is the most important number in the world—it's what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, 350 parts per million (ppm).
Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million.
Everyone from Al Gore to the U.N.’s top climate scientist has now embraced this goal as necessary for stabilizing the planet and preventing complete disaster. Now the trick is getting our leaders to pay attention and craft policies that will put the world on track to get to 350.
Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million.
Everyone from Al Gore to the U.N.’s top climate scientist has now embraced this goal as necessary for stabilizing the planet and preventing complete disaster. Now the trick is getting our leaders to pay attention and craft policies that will put the world on track to get to 350.
Is 350 scientifically possible?
Right now, mostly because we’ve burned so much fossil fuel, the atmospheric concentration of co2 is 390 ppm—that’s way too high, and it’s why ice is melting, drought is spreading, forests are dying. To bring that number down, the first task is to stop putting more carbon into the atmosphere. That means a very fast transition to sun and wind and other renewable forms of power. If we can stop pouring more carbon into the atmosphere, then forests and oceans will slowly suck some of it out of the air and return us to safe levels.Is 350 politically possible?
It’s very hard. It means switching off fossil fuel much more quickly than governments and corporations have been planning. Our best chance to speed up that process will come in December in Copenhagen, when the world’s nations meet to agree on a new climate treaty. Right now, they’re not planning to do enough. But we can change that--if we mobilize the world to swift and bold climate action.What is the day of action?
On October 24, the International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet’s history.There will be big rallies in big cities, and incredible creative actions across the globe: mountain climbers on our highest peaks with banners, underwater demonstrations in island nations threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques and synagogues and ashrams engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike rides--and hundreds upon hundreds of community events to raise awareness of the need for urgent action.
Every event will highlight the number 350--and people will gather at some point for a big group photo depicting that all important message. At 350.org, we'll assemble all the photos for a gigantic, global, visual petition.
The thousands of events on October 24 will drive 350 and all that it represents into the human imagination, and change the negotiating environment as we head towards the crucial UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen in December of 2009. Copenhagen may well be the pivotal moment that determines whether or not we get the planet out of the climate crisis, and your actions on October 24 will help our leaders realize we need a real solution that pays attention to the science.
How will this make a difference?
October 24 has finally put the focus where it needs to be: on the science and the citizens, not the special interests and the backroom deals.People have sent in thousands of images of citizens gathering at important places around the world—from the melting peaks of Mt. Everest to the sinking beaches of the Maldives—displaying the number 350 in a creative way. 350.org staff will display these photos on the big screens in Times Square and projecting them at the UN headquarters. Those photos are appearing in newspapers large and small—the same newspapers that politicians all over the world use as a barometer of public opinion. We're also delivering copies of the images—and the stories that go with them—to national delegates, environment ministers, and heads of state the world over.
But more importantly, grassroots global action will be useful to put pressure on the huge UN Climate meeting in Copenhagen. Together we can remind our leaders that they need to take physical reality—and not political expediency—into account when they're making decisions about our collective future. 350 is a clear and specific goal (unlike vague demands to "stop global warming") that helps move the negotiations in the direction science and justice demand. We'll make sure your voice is heard, and this debate is re-framed in time to make a difference.
Marylhurst participated in this but I do not know how many people turned out for the event. Weasle words "scientists" and "leading climatologists" made me suspicious of the claims but I admire their effort at inclusive politics.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Those Crazy PSU'ers
This fall, a group of Portland State University researchers will install solar panels over a series of small eco-roofs.
Once relegated to the fringe, interest in solar energy is higher now in the U.S. than it’s ever been, owing to a confluence of factors: rising global demand for energy, increased urgency to find non-polluting power sources, and security concerns about access to energy sources.
For those reasons, solar reflects the “Holy Grail” of renewable energy options. While the world consumes an average rate of 15 terawatts (TW) of energy, experts have identified 600 TW of readily accessible solar output. Solar power is clean and carbon-free, a critical element to reducing current and future carbon emissions, which are a major contributor to global climate change.
Simply put, “Solar energy is going to save the world.”
Well, that's a relief. We can all go back to sleep now.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Greener Oregon Web Hosting and E-Commerce
You know, I predicted this. In 2003, I kept saying that pretty soon it would be trendy to be "green" and every company in the US would claim to be "sustainable" and "eco-friendly" and my personal favorite, "responsible". This is so sad. It turns out it is easy being green.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
American Physical Society votes to keep original AGW statement
A handful of scientists organized a petition to change the official statement of the American Physical Society from one that admits anthropogenic affects on global climate change to a position much more skeptical.
The proposed new statement included the idea, "Current climate models appear insufficiently reliable to properly account for natural and anthropogenic contributions to past climate change, much less project future climate."
The APS council voted to maintain their 2007 stated position "The evidence is incontrovertible: Global warming is occurring." and, "Because the complexity of the climate makes accurate prediction difficult, the APS urges an enhanced effort to understand the effects of human activity on the Earth’s climate, and to provide the technological options for meeting the climate challenge in the near and longer terms."
I am relieved that at least some of the brightest scientists are not giving in to pressure to pander to the political interests of those who would divert attention from limiting the responsibility of those with the technological capacity to have contributed to global climate change.
The APS promotes the use of technology to find ways to curb the effects of the global climate change caused by technology.
A Brave New World Requires A Brave New Mind
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Biodegradable Credit Cards?
This is a biodegradable credit card. "Under landfill conditions, 99% of plastic breaks down within 5 years".
OK. I vote this for the most superfluous "save the environment" activity I have ever heard of. So far.
I am more inclined to believe Sony. Eco-Friendly Credit Card in the Works
Either way, is this not simply masking the consumerist mindset that got us to this point?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Al Gore: Our Choice
I came across this book on a book club I belong to. I have qualms about the sincerity of Al Gore and his campaign to "save the environment" and the "fate of civilization as we know it" but he is telling the truth, phantom ulterior motives aside. I'm not saying go buy the book but it is something to be aware of.
And, a short video from the man himself. I still think he looks an awful lot like the lizard people from that TV series "V" back in the 80s. They were aliens that looked like us and made friends with us, then when they had us they ripped off their faces and were revealed to be an elite, more highly evolved, reptilian race. And I'm mad that Bill Clinton still makes me smile uncontrollably even after all the evil he has done. Anyway, Al Gore commands a lot of attention and he is right that the world is facing a crisis, literally of global proportions. He holds "solutions summits" but I have not paid attention to his suggestions for solutions.
And, a short video from the man himself. I still think he looks an awful lot like the lizard people from that TV series "V" back in the 80s. They were aliens that looked like us and made friends with us, then when they had us they ripped off their faces and were revealed to be an elite, more highly evolved, reptilian race. And I'm mad that Bill Clinton still makes me smile uncontrollably even after all the evil he has done. Anyway, Al Gore commands a lot of attention and he is right that the world is facing a crisis, literally of global proportions. He holds "solutions summits" but I have not paid attention to his suggestions for solutions.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
IBM Smart Grid - United States
Smarter power for a smarter planet
For most of the last century, our electrical grids were a symbol of progress. But today's electrical grids reflect a time when energy was cheap, their impact on the natural environment wasn't a priority and consumers weren't even part of the equation.
As a result of inefficiencies in this system, the world's creation and distribution of electric power is wasteful.
Fortunately, our energy can be made smart. It can be managed like the complex global system it is. Smart grid projects are already helping consumers save 10% on their bills and are reducing peak demand by 15%. IBM scientists and industry experts are working on smart energy solutions around the world. Our electrical grids can be a symbol of progress again—if we imbue the entire system with intelligence. And we can.
Let's build a smarter planet.
I paraphrased this website.
I think it shows an interesting trend among corporations to superficially offer salvation solutions to a problem they will profit from even as we continue to over-consume.
We will simply be buying more "energy efficient" luxuries in slick packaging by corporations we have long trusted to "know what's best for us" as they are richer and smarter.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
ecogeek.org- brains for the earth
Are you an EcoGeek?
We've got to keep 6 billion people happy without destroying our planet.
It's the biggest challenge
we've ever faced....
but we're taking it on.
we've ever faced....
but we're taking it on.
Are you with us?
About EcoGeek
Written by Hank Green on 06/04/06
Technology can be a force for evil, or for awesome.
Those who shun technologies that could save the planet are just as guilty as those who ignore the environment.
There's a safe balance, where the awesome can help nature as much as it helps us have a good time and live easier lives. EcoGeek devotes its pages to exploring the symbiosis between nature and technology. If you're interested in that, then stop by, and stop by often.
Dear God, please help me to not plug my ears and scream, "la, la, la" every time I hear the word "green".
Alternative Energy Stocks: The Investor Resource for Alternative Energy Stocks
About Alternative Energy and Clean Tech
Alternative and renewable energy companies either directly produce energy from renewable or environmentally-benign sources, or develop and commercialize technologies and applications for the production of clean energy. Clean technologies (cleantech) are technologies that allow the economy to maintain and grow its output while neutralizing or minimizing adverse impacts on the environment. Cleantech includes innovations in a number of areas such as pollution control, water management, materials science and nanotechnology. Alternative energy, renewable energy and cleantech play an increasingly larger role in all areas of industry and modern life.
Well, this is discouraging. I read about Oregon Department of Transportation buying their solar panels from Solar World of Hillsboro and I thought how nice to be buying locally. Then I tried to invest in Solar World and discovered that they are not traded on US stock exchanges but on German DAX. Sigh.
It gets worse. Oregon offers businesses that relocate to Oregon a green tax incentive credit. Solar World bought property in Hillsboro from Wal-Mart and Flir, both times selling their tax credit to the companies that did nothing to promote environmentally sustainable business in Oregon.
I hope Solar World is at least paying taxes in Oregon and hopefully doing something positive for the local economy in Hillsboro and I hope their employees are making a living wage, with benefits, and not a bunch of temps.
This site looks like a good place to find green stocks that are doing something good for the American economy and environment and for the people who live here.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Age of Stupid
It follows seven documentary characters, British windfarmer Piers Guy, Indian airline boss Jeh Wadia, Nigerian medical student Layefa Malemi, French mountain guide Fernand Pareau, Iraqi refugee kids Jamila & Adnan and New Orleans Shell paleontologists Alvin Duvernay America, UK, India, Nigeria, Iraq, Jordan, The Alps
... turning into a drama
I paid $25 for my son and I to go see this movie. It was broadcast live all over the world. It had a great opportunity to rile the masses but instead it droned on and on. It was very amateur, obtuse, and one by one audience members left in disgust. I made my son stay to the bitter end because I really wanted this film to work. It didn't. Calling consumers stupid is not going to motivate them to give up their lifestyle. Attacking politicians publicly just makes a fool out of you. Calling attention to the Copenhagen Climate Summit was the sum success of the documentary.
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