Category: Utility Costs

Water Stress

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There’s an old saying, “Water is destiny.” As so much of our planet is covered by water, Earth is often referred to as the “Water Planet.”

 

“Water is of major importance to all living

things; in some organisms, up to 90% of

their body weight comes from water. Up

to 60% of the human adult body is water.

 

“According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological

Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed

of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water.”

 

Equally important, the vast majority of fresh water is used for producing food. … Keep reading

Electric Car Revolution

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The trend towards driving electric cars is upwards, and has been for years. Now, it seems the marketplace is shifting from “start-up” status to “primary” status with more and more manufacturers creating e-car models.  Everyone I know who’s already bought one is truly happy they did so.  Without an engine, spark plugs, muffler, etc. the annual maintenance costs are far less.  Now, there’s a sales strategy that brings initial prices way down.

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The Electric Car Revolution Now Faces Its Biggest Test

Will people still buy them when the subsidies are gone?

… Keep reading

Clean Energy Jobs

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Forgetting about political trends, once solar power became cheaper than coal – which has historically been the lowest cost form of power – the employment trends were established. The solar power industry already employs more than the coal industry, and the gap will continue to grow.  The trend is also helpful for the environment, and healthful for our lungs.  From a pure economic perspective, latching onto a growth industry, rather than trying to prop up a declining industry, also makes the most sense.… Keep reading

Solar for Gas

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Here’s an unusual article coming from a main-line media source, AP and ABC news.  It details what we’ve already found and are living with on a day-to-day basis.

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Electric-Car Drivers

Trading Gas for Solar Power

 

DETROIT — Oct 28, 2014, 5:30 PM ET

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Auto Writer

 

Owners of electric vehicles have already gone gas-free. Now, a growing number are powering their cars with sunlight.

Solar panels installed on the roof of a home or garage can easily generate enough electricity to power an electric or plug-in gas-electric hybrid vehicle.… Keep reading

Zero Net Energy

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Here are two articles about the shift that’s already happening in two states – both oriented toward providing 100% clean, renewable energy.

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Building to Reshape 

U.S. Construction Industry

 

Originally published on SEFAIRA.

By Carl Sterner

California’s recent revisions to Title 24 put in place ambitious performance goals: all residential buildings must be Zero Net Energy (ZNE) by 2020, and all commercial buildings must follow suit by 2030. The code also applies to retrofit projects that pass certain thresholds.… Keep reading