Everyone knows that changes that start small can grow into big ideas. I heard of a wonderful story about some middle school students in the States putting together a proposal to save energy. Read the story, and tell me what you think. What can’t adults be more proactive?
It’s always so refreshing to see kids getting involved in their community.
Wait… what? If you are a Canadian reading this blog, you know you have nothing to worry about. For our friends south of the border, you know it’s a problem.
Here is a quick article breaking down the U.S. government’s position on the laws behind light bulbs.
We all win when our environments are ‘greener’. Helping the planet is in everyone’s best interests, as we all know. There is an even greater need to upgrade if there is a health hazard associated with the issue. There is, of course, a cost associated with this, and sometimes it gets in the way of the larger vision. I read this article today from NYC. Read the excerpt below or check out the full article, and let me know your thoughts.
‘In February the Bloomberg administration announced they would allocate $702 million to replace light fixtures leaking toxic chemicals, known as PCBs in approximately 800 school buildings, as part of a broader energy efficiency effort over the next 10 years.’
By now, you have probably heard that incandescent light bulbs are a dying breed. Most of us have replaced our old bulbs with the new CFL or LED ones. What you haven’t heard is that there is a concern, among some, that these bulbs are actually bad for the environment.
Everyone good and confused? Ok, here’s the thing. I was reading the Vancouver Sun the other day, and these bulbs are arguably too efficient. They will also cause an increase in greenhouse gases. The writer explains the physics of his argument thusly:
As we replace old-style “hot” light bulbs with efficient “cool” light bulbs, our thermostats will keep the furnaces on longer and more carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere.
Interesting, in any case.
‘Another year over and a new one just begun’! We are all familiar with that old song, and the best part is that it turns out that it has a ring of truth to it. I found this article in my Google Reader the other day, and thought it was a great thing to start off the New Year [though technically it hasn’t begun!].
Most of it is probably stuff all of you classy readers know about, but this part in particular I found interesting:
As living green becomes more ingrained in our lives, LED lighting will continue to light the way, according to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, who will introduce several new under-cabinet systems and landscape products with an ultra-efficient technology next year. For a casual, contemporary twist, Dross also suggests hanging chandeliers in new areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, and embracing today’s art glass applications, which are much more chic and casual than the Tiffany lamps of the past.
We all remember that Griswold movie – or at least I do! Mention it to anyone over a certain age, and everyone can identify with ‘the lights’. I love lights [as you have likely guessed] and always enjoy them in different contexts.
In London, ON, there is a house that, believe it or not, puts that Griswold house to shame. It does it one better, and incorporates lights AND sound! When you get a chance, please check out the article in the London Free Press.
We can all get on board with a price drop. When that price drop applies to our electricity usage? Yeah, you have our attention.
Here’s a snippet from the article on MoneyVille.ca:
Householders who buy their electricity direct from utilities will see their monthly power costs decline by one to three dollars, starting Nov. 1.
The Ontario Energy Board has eased prices slightly for consumers who don’t buy their power from energy retailers.
Check out the article for more details, and what the savings will translate into for your family.
After all the troubles you may have had at the gas pump, you might be tempted to look elsewhere for transportation needs. Skyrocketing prices, surly attendants, lack of time for a DIY fill up – it all adds up after a while.
You’re sick of it. but what’s a driver to do?
You could pick up an electric car at your local dealer ship, that’s one thing. Major automakers like Nissan have been rolling out new vehicles, and electric cars have been around for a while.
When buying a house, there is an endless litany of things you need to be aware of before you sign away. Obviously, a home inspector should review the potential purchase, but that tends to be just for structural things. Consider employing the services of a certified electrician, or lighting consultants.
Your home’s wiring should be up-to-date, and up to code. Oftentimes, with older homes, the wiring tends to be hidden. There are other cases where faulty wiring is glossed over with superficial treatments.
An article on Boston.com presents another scenario: houses that are shown with great, new fixtures, but are missing on moving day.
What a sad, sad day we are facing, ladies and gentlemen. Via the Miami Herald, we hear that one of the last major US factories making incandescent light bulbs is closing.
Obviously, from a more pragmatic perspective, this is better. These bulbs aren’t too friendly to the environment. The compact florescent bulbs that are replacing them use 75 per cent less energy.
However, it ultimately represents a job loss. The greener bulbs are still being made, and can be done cheaper off-shore.