Category: Ecology

Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

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50 Ways To Invest In Our Planet

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50 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday

The theme of Earth Day 2024 is "Planet vs Plastic"

Editor: Today is Earth Day. The event is held each year on April 22nd. The event is held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day was  held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events; including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.” With this theme the organization aims to reduce plastic dependency and make earth plastic free.

50 Ways To Invest In Our Planet

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Be a Friend to Our Home

There are several ways to make an investment in our planet, many of which have no financial cost or very little expenditure. In fact, being earth friendly can often save you money:

  1. Plant a tree.
  2. Organize a trash pick up on the side of the road, a vacant lot, or anywhere needing rid of refuse – check with local agencies for programs already in place.
  3. Don’t litter – ever.
  4. Organize a recycling event in your community.
  5. Make sure to recycle your electronic devices. Not only does it take away from landfilled items, but it returns important metals like gold, platinum, and copper back to the manufacturing stream, cutting environmentally damaging mining and refining processes.
  6. Watch Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” and it’s sequel.
  7. Some years back our church did a children’s musical and reception to educate the congregation about Earth Day – try something of this nature at your place of worship.
  8. Read at least some of the many publications available about pollution (be it air, ground, water, light, or noise) and global warming/climate change.
  9. Educate yourself with virtual or in person Earth Day events.
  10. Reduce your use of paper – opt for on-device rather than on the physical page; recycle what you do use.
  11. Join a free swap-type group, like Freecycle, Trash No More, etc., to extend item usefulness and stop them from going into landfills.
  12. Opt for environmentally friendly cleaning products.
  13. Use your local library to learn more about Mother Earth.
  14. Use your library for books and magazines in general, too – they are reused much more, and many offer free online access to numerous magazines.
  15. Many institutions offer a “library of things” – items like electronic devices or tools which can literally be borrowed, saving you cost and promoting reuse.
  16. Chose farm-to-table food items and buy from local farmers to cut down on fuel use and emissions from shipping.
  17. Shop sustainably: invest in sustainable, reusable items or ones that will last longer – ideally both.
  18. Don’t waste resources: for example, turn the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving unless you are actually rinsing.
  19. Turn out the light(s) in an unoccupied room, even if you’re going to be gone a little while, and opt for LED bulbs for much more efficiency (less power used, more money saved).
  20. Keep your car running efficiently to avoid harmful emissions and save on gas.
  21. Consider an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid.
  22. Support the use of sustainable energy, such as solar, wind power, geothermal, and the like.
  23. Always take your own bags to the grocery store.
  24. Use environmentally friendly household products such as paper towel or bathroom tissue – look for green items where you shop whenever possible.
  25. Chose Earth friendly items when remodeling your home, like sustainable materials such as bamboo, or other responsibly-sourced lumber.
  26. When choosing cosmetic items such as sun screen, chose environmentally friendly companies and ingredients, as well as cruelty free items.
  27. Biodegradable balloons are available for your next party/event, or choose another sustainable, environmentally friendly form of celebration items.
  28. Avoid lawn products that are toxic, not just for the planet but for pets and wildlife.
  29. Wear eco friendly clothing and use eco friendly linens.
  30. Shop at thrift or consignment stores – they have many items for any budget; it’s a great way to reuse and save money.
  31. Take military showers – use a shower head with a shutoff and cut the water between initial wetting and rinsing.
  32. A bath can be more green than showering if you take very long showers, but showers in general are best.
  33. Use eco friendly bath products.
  34. Put a brick or other water saver in your toilet tank, and invest in a low flow shower head.
  35. Consider bar soap or shampoos, and recycle any plastic soap, shampoo, or conditioner containers. Use zero waste or near zero waste grooming products that are sustainable.
  36. Take a nature walk with your children or pet – remember to leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but pictures and memories.
  37. Take a quiz to ascertain your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it.
  38. Save energy in your home, like turning down or up (depending on the season) your thermostat.
  39. Walk, bike, or car pool, whenever possible.
  40. Go ahead and hug that tree – you know you want to.
  41. Avoid excessive use of aerosols or other potentially environment damaging products.
  42. Remember Woodsy the Owl? Give a hoot – don’t pollute.
  43. Plant flowers and other local variant plants, avoiding non-native species which can drain environmental resources or harm animals.
  44. Start a community vegetable garden.
  45. Plant an herb garden.
  46. Put fresh mushrooms on your grocery list of sustainable foods.
  47. Add avocados and bananas to your sustainable fruit and veggies basket.
  48. Create a pretty terrarium.
  49. Post Earth friendly tips on social media.
  50. Make each day an Earth Day.

There isn’t a plan(et) B, so start making more informed, environmentally better choices today…

Animal Cruelty a World-Wide Issue

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Animal Cruelty  a World-Wide Issue

Animals world wide face unbelievable cruelty and abuse

Animal Cruelty a World-Wide Issue

By Michael Leonard Douglas 

Barbaric Cruelty

The goal should be a balance in the ecosystem for all living things to thrive.  There is no justification for the barbaric cruelty that takes place daily on every continent. It does not matter whether a human is involved or an animal.  Animal-human right’s activists advocate for treating all animals humanely. Can you imagine the outrage if human beings were held in cages and tortured regularly or were hunted down by wealthy adventurers seeking nothing more than a photo-op with a corpse, or a trophy for their wall?  It is time that humanity finds the resolve to develop a plan that promotes co-existence with the rest of the animal kingdom. Where balance of land and resources put an end to animal cruelty.

Basic needs

Scientifically, human beings are animals. Therefore, when we talk about human rights, there is no real conflict with animal rights. Those most basic rights (needs) for all creatures are to live freely, have access to food and water, a comfortable shelter/habitat; and lastly, security from unwarranted threat and mistreatment. Animal cruelty is denial of any of these basic needs. When any one of these basic rights is infringed upon repeatedly the entire ecosystem is thrown out of balance.

View from the top

Since human beings are at the top of the chain and dominate every activity on the planet it is difficult to convince the global human population that we are equals with lesser animals. The term, “animal rights” was coined to give a voice to the millions of animals that face cruelty and slaughter every single day. There is no animal that is more intelligent than the human species and no species better able to launch and give voice to an appeal against animal cruelty than that carried on by its own species.

 

The Rotary Four-Way Test

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The Rotary's Four Way Test is a good way to lead your life.

 

Editor’s Note: The genesis for this article came from my neighborhood advertising circular, the Sneak Preview. The December 2023 issue had a wonderful article by a local businessman, Steve Roe. Mr. Roe is the 2023 recipient of the Louis Schultz Distinguished Service Award, given each year to (Grants Pass, Oregon) community members who give their time, knowledge and resources to help improve our local community. In his beautifully written article Steve mentions the Rotary’s Four Way Test and how he personally and the Rotary, use the Four Way Test to evaluate what we think, say, and do. 

 

The Four-Way Test

Has Us Question What We Think, Say, and Do.

By D.S. Mitchell

 

A Long Time Back

In 1905, in Chicago Illinois, Paul Harris and three business friends got together and created the Rotary; the worlds first service organization. It wasn’t until 1943 that the club adopted Herb Taylor’s, another Chicago businessman’s, Four-Way ethics test. The Four-Way test is now a center of Rotary thought and action. The Four-Way test guides the Rotary’s unique approach and process to address conflicts, solve problems and make decisions to achieve desired objectives. The four questions are to be asked of the things you think, say, and do. Considering the abusive nature of today’s public and private discourse, I think putting the Four-Way test in operation, before we open our mouths, or take any action, might be a good place for all of us start; especially since it is supposed to be a joyous time of year.

A Clear and Positive Vision

Superbly simple, the Four-Way test offers a clear and positive vision for turning people away from vulgarity and back to civility; only joking, because what we have going on now may be unfixable. Sorry, for the negative insertion, but I am at this moment frustrated with the outrageous antics of the Republicans in the House of Representatives. However, not to digress; the Four-Way test is to be used in what we think, say, and do. Clearly the challenging part of the Four-Way test is that all four questions must be satisfactorily answered to reach an answer to the question. The four ethics questions the Four-Way test asks are;
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Rotary over the last 120 years has grown into a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs around the world with empathy and concern; they may be onto something here.
Constructive Not Destructive

The test is not a rigid process.  Below are ideas for using The Four-Way test and conflict transformation concepts for constructive change without quite importantly, violence.

  • Is it the TRUTH? Act with integrity and high ethical standards.  Acknowledge and define the problem including the root causes. Gather information by asking questions and with the use of critical thinking identify the difference between facts, beliefs, assumptions, and opinions. Such actions build trust.
  • Is it FAIR to all concerned? Keep in mind both the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule. Okay. I  had to look this one up. The Golden Rule is; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Well, the Platinum Rule is, “do unto others as they would have you do unto them.” Hmm. Okay. I get it. Identify and include all interested and affected parties in discussions. Attempt to understand the other points-of-view in the context of conflict and reaching shared goals. Such actions foster accountability.
  • Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Promote civility by projecting an air of respect and openness. Be open to looking at new things and old things in new ways that can lead to creative and innovative solutions.  Discuss and agree on desired outcomes until consensus is found. Respect for what everyone can contribute  promotes fellowship.
  • Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Keep an open mind and a curiosity for new ideas, novel applications and different points-of view. Consider many options and build on different ideas. Come to mutually beneficial solutions that are sustainable and repeatable.

The Four-Way test is an adaptive process. It takes into account everyone’s point-of-view and concerns, as well as their needs and wants. The process is designed to build goodwill and earn trust so a particular end result is mutually beneficial, sustainable and fair with repeatable outcomes.

On the Home Front

Just in time for Christmas get togethers. I’m laughing, but, I’m deadly serious at the same time. I encourage anyone reading this article  consider using The Four-Way test to address conflicts in the public square and at private dinners with cranky relatives. Remember the questions start with What We Think, followed by what What We Say and lastly, What We Do.  

Prep And Roll; Artificial Turf Coming Soon

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Prep And Roll;

Artificial Turf Coming To A Home Near You

Artificial turf creates a beautiful, natural, low maintenance solution to backyard weeds, watering, and mowing

Prep And Roll

From The Sports Stadium To The Neighborhood 

By D.S. Mitchell

Morning Walks

I usually go for a morning walk. The route rarely changes, so I am particularly aware of homeowner activities in the neighborhood. Recently, I have noticed a lot of changes at a particular address. First, it was a beautiful new concrete ’tile’ roof, then a lovely grey paint job with sparkling white trim, and all new rock walkways. Ahh, all the choices have been just perfect. Last Wednesday, there was a bobcat in the front yard. I could see something serious was about to happen. On Thursday, when I walked by the house, all the sod and weeds had been scraped off; scalping the topsoil down about 4 inches and a sub-base of gravel had been placed and compacted nicely.

Friday Morning

Friday morning, to my surprise, I saw the contractor had laid out rolls of artificial grass on top of the gravel base, like you would carpet, stretching and snugging the pieces together, securing each piece with small yellow spikes. My brain lit up; oh, wow, my neighbor had decided to stop mowing and watering the lawn and was going to join the millions of Americans who are choosing a simpler and more environmentally friendly landscape solution. Saturday morning the new front yard was installed and looking amazing.

Positives For The Homeowner

I’ve been thinking about switching to artificial turf for at least the last year and have done a bit of research on the topic.  I’m pretty much convinced it is a good investment and appropriate for an older single female. I’d love not to be dealing with the damn lawnmower every weekend, spring, summer, and fall.  I’ve spoken to several contractors and I’ve learned that the artificial grass dries quickly after it rains, making it particularly user-friendly. It’s attractive even in problem areas, those shaded pathways, under large trees, and children’s outdoor play areas. The artificial turf saves water, cuts down on dust, weeds, and bugs. And it’s beauty encourages an outdoor lifestyle.

I’ve Also Learned

I had no idea that artificial grass was available in a variety of pile heights and color tones. Here’s notes from my conversations with the experts. First, choose a manufacturer with UV protection and a multi-year warranty. The last thing you want is to pull up a lawn you laid only a year ago. Next, I was told to see what varieties of natural grass my neighbors favored for their lawns. I was told darker-shades of fescue are common in northern yards. In the south, a lighter Bermuda grass is a better choice. Manufacturers also advise their customers to think about what they like aesthetically. For a fresh cut look, try a shorter grass with a firm feel. If you want a rich, luxurious look, a longer, softer, and lower-density grass will provide that.

More Things To Think About

Will your grass see heavy use, moderate use, or little to no use? Are there pets and kids? What about a swimming pool? If the grass will see heavy traffic you will need a denser product to ensure longevity. An 80 ounce product is a good choice for high traffic areas. If traffic is moderate a 62 ounce product will do the job while a 46 ounce product is the most economical for low traffic areas. There are even pet friendly grasses with short dense blades, making turds easy to clean up. If pets are a consideration choose a turf with a “fully permeable backing” which allows urine and other fluids to drain properly. A product with a permeable backing is also recommended for areas around pools and other spaces that water habitually splashes.

Easy Care, Doesn’t Mean No Care

Artificial grass is easy care, but, like with everything, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your new lawn beautiful for years to come. A leaf blower will become a good friend as it is important to remove fallen leaves or branches as soon as possible, before they become ground into the fabric. It is a good idea to rinse the turf regularly with a garden hose to clean off dust, pollen, and debris. Soda and other spills should be cleaned up promptly using a towel to blot the spot and rinsing with a mixture of soap and water. Let solid pet waste dry before picking it up, then rinse the area with water. Pet urine will drain out but it is suggested that such areas should be rinsed off with water. Brushing the grass against the grain in high traffic areas every couple weeks is promised to keep your artificial ground cover beautiful for years to come.

How About Weeds?

Sometimes, when the conditions are just right your artificial turf may nurture moss and weeds. Birds and wind deliver seeds and other plant matter and as such things go, rain and sun cause germination.  If you begin to see unwanted weeds pull the little buggers out by hand or eliminate them with a vinegar and water mix.

 

 

10 Things To Help Protect The Earth

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10 Things You Can Do To Help Protect The Earth

The Oregon coast is a magical place but the damages of climate change are changing this place
10 Simple Things You Can Do To Help Protect The Earth

Editor’s Note: World Wildlife Fund recently published “10 Simple Things We Can Do To Help Protect The Earth.” WWF works to protect endangered species  and conserve their habitats. Time is running out for many beloved animal species. Please donate what you can to this fine organization. worldwildlife.org 

By D. S. Mitchell

1.) BYOB: In 2022, Americans went through an astonishing and astounding 50 billion plastic water bottles. Please, fill up a reusable water bottle at home and take it with you. IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE TASTE OF TAP WATER, BUY A FILTER. Remember that most of the bottled water you buy is just filtered tap water with a label.

2.) Paper Not Plastic: Take your bags with you to the grocery store. Taking your bags to the store when you go shopping can cut down on the 350 bags the average American uses each year. Reducing the number of bags will hopefully reduce the needless deaths  of marine life caused by plastic bags that end up in streams, rivers, and oceans.

3.) Safe Waste: Many items indiscriminately thrown in the trash contain contaminates that poison soil and water for thousands of years. Most communities have special procedures for disposing of items like used oil, batteries, ink cartridges, and paint cans. The new superefficient lightbulbs contain mercury, so they  require proper disposal. Many items can be recycled where they were purchased. Be sure to check with your merchant.

4.) Take A Walk: A 100 years ago nearly 99.9% of Americans got by without cars. They lived close to their work, they took the train, or the bus, and they walked. Using fuel efficient cars is a good thing, but we can save even more fuel by driving less, and walking more.

5.) Switch It Off: In much of America we can no longer see the stars, mostly due to all the electric lights. The lights are so bright they often confuse animals, such as hatchling turtles who are trying to make the ocean before before becoming breakfast for shore birds. It is fine to keep the lights on in the room you are in, but keep the rest of the house dark. Many find the dark to be calming.

6.) Layer Up: In the winter, instead of turning up the thermostat, add a sweater or a sweatshirt. A second layer of clothing will keep you warmer and also help conserve resources and reduce climate change.

7.) Plant A Tree: Planting a tree is good for the soil, good for the air we breathe, and helps in the fight against climate change.

8) Shut It Down: Catalogues are great if you buy the products advertised.  On the other hand, catalogues are a pain in the butt if you don’t buy the products. If you do not order from the company call them and tell them to unsubscribe you. That little gesture will probably save a tree.

9.) Second Time Around: Recycling isn’t just about separating cans and bottles. It can also mean rethinking an item’s use. That old bike might look great with a fresh coat of paint and a basket full of flowers sitting on your front porch. Or, that little bedside table might make a great  addition to your entry area, a place to drop your keys and the mail. Rethink, before you throw an item away.

10.) Support Activism: Please donate to organizations like Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and World Wildlife Fund that are carrying on valuable field work to save our planet and all that inhabit her.

2nd Highest Honeybee Die Off On Record

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FORECASTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY:

2nd Highest Honeybee Die Off  On Record

Honeybees suffer second highest record on record

FORECASTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY:

2nd Highest Honeybee Die Off On Record

5 Ways To Save The Honeybees

D. S. Mitchell

Bad News For Honeybees

Honeybees were dealt a staggering blow in 2022-23. The news was once again alarming. Thursday the University of Maryland and Auburn University released their study on honeybee health. The study found that 48% of honeybee colonies were lost in the year that ended April 1st.  The astounding loss was blamed on a combination of factors including parasites, pesticides, starvation, and climate change. The numbers indicate that honeybee hives in the United States were devastated, with beekeepers losing nearly half of their managed colonies. Despite staggering losses beekeepers are staying afloat, but are being forced to use costly and near superhuman determination and ingenuity to create new colonies.

Honeybee Dependent

Honeybees are critical to the food supply, responsible for pollinating more than a 100 crops that humans eat, including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus, and melons. Despite the heart stopping decline in honeybee colonies, this last years was not as bad as 2020-21 when the mortality rate reached 50.8% .

Scary Times

The temperatures around the country are more and more likely to hit triple digits for days on end than they were 10 or 20 years ago. My lord, a postal carrier dropped dead from heat stroke in Texas. Time to stop the denials. Time to save our planet before it’s too late. Pressure your state and federal legislator. The time for silence is long since over. Pesticides and fossil fuels are killing a necessary partner in human food production.

In 1962 Rachel Carson Warned Us

  • In September 1962 Rachel Carson published one of the most important books on the environment ever published. Certainly, it can be described as the foundation of the mid-20th century environmental movement. Fundamentally, Ms Carson documented the harmful effects of the “indiscriminate” use of pesticides.

Future Generations Will Not Forgive Our Failures

In her ground breaking nonfiction book, Silent Spring she  said: “It is not my contention that chemical insecticides must never be used. I do contend that we have put poisonous and biologically potent chemicals indiscriminately into the hands of persons largely or wholly ignorant of their potentials for harm. …we have allowed these chemicals to be used with little or no advance investigation of their effect on soil, water, wildlife, and man himself. Future generations are unlikely to condone our lack of prudent concern for the integrity of the natural world that supports all life.”

Field Work

Ms Carson graduated from John Hopkins University in 1932 with a Master’s Degree in Zoology.  Ms Carson worked as a field scientist for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for fifteen years. After World War II, the government touted the value of many toxic chemicals that had been developed during the war. The prime reason behind the government support of these chemicals was the hope to maximize farm production.

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GREENPEACE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM 50 YEARS

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GREENPEACE:

Highlights From 50 Years

GREENPEACE:

Highlights From 50 Years

Greenpeace uses direct action, lobbying, research, and ecotage to achieve its goals.

Founded in 1971

Greenpeace was founded in Canada in 1971 by Irving and Dorothy Stowe transplanted environmental activists from the United States. The organizations stated goal is to “ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity.” Greenpeace focuses its campaigning on worldwide environmental issues such as; climate change, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling, genetic engineering, and anti-nuclear issues.

Global Network

Greenpeace is a global network. The network comprises 26 independent national/regional organizations in over 55 countries. A coordinating body,  Greenpeace International is based in the Netherlands. The network does not accept funding from corporations, political parties, or governments, relying instead on three million plus individual donors and special foundations grants. 

Raising the World Consciousness

Greenpeace is without a double one of the most visible environmental organizations in the world and is critical in raising issues to public  knowledge.

Greenpeace:

50 Years Of Action

February 1972:

After the first Greenpeace action in 1971 the U.S. abandons nuclear testing grounds at Amchitka Island, Alaska.

October 1982:

After at-sea actions against whalers, the International Whaling Commission adopts a whaling moratorium.

December 1989:

UN moratorium on high seas large scale driftnets is passed, responding to public outrage at indiscriminate fishing practices. In 1991 a worldwide ban goes into force.

November 1993:

Due to repeated actions against ocean dumping for over a decade by Greenpeace the London Dumping Convention permanently bans the dumping of radioactive and industrial waste worldwide.

December 1994:

After years of Greenpeace actions against whaling, the Antarctic whale sanctuary is approved by the International Whaling Commission.

December 1997:

Adoption of the Kyoto Protocol by governments of many industrialized countries agreeing to set legally binding reduction targets on greenhouse gases. Europe signed on March 2002 and Russia in 2004.

May 2002:

Greenpeace defeats a major drive by Japan to re-introduce commercial whaling.

March 2009: The Great Bear Rainforest protection agreement capped one of Greenpeace’s longest running campaigns. The protected region covers over 25,000 square miles of Canadian wilderness.

September 2015: Shell Oil abandons Arctic drilling.

October 2016: After years of campaigning for a protected area in the Ross Sea, off the coast of Antarctica succeeded. The agreement created the largest marine protected area in the world.

July 2017: Thai Union, the largest tuna company in the world and owner of Chicken of the Sea, agrees to sweeping reforms with expected benefits for sharks, sea turtles and fisherman.

May-July 2018: Foodservice giants Bon Apetit Management and Aramark commit to phase out plastic straws and stirrers, and other single use products.

September 2020: Brazilian government rejects oil drilling applications near the spectacular Amazon Reef right off the Brazilian coast by French oil giant Total.

June 2021: The U.S. Interior Department  suspends oil and gas drilling leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge after a Greenpeace campaign leading to an environmental review.

August 2022: California legislature enacts a 3,200 foot public health and safety setback, or a buffer zone to protect neighborhoods from toxic pollution created by oil and gas drilling.

 

The Truth Behind The Hydrogen Hype

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The Truth Behind The Hydrogen Hype

Is hydrogen really a zero carbon fuel that we dream of?

The Truth Behind The Hydrogen Hype

Hydrogen is being touted as the fuel of the future, but new information suggests hydrogen could have serious implications for the climate. 

By D.S. Mitchell

Maybe Not The Golden Ticket

As the hydrogen hype machine revs up to a roar, investigators are discovering potential, undisclosed  hazards to the climate. Scientists are warning that hydrogen is not the golden ticket to stabilize the earth’s climate that supporters claim. One big problem is that hydrogen leaks and those leaks are harmful to the environment.

EDF’s Solutions Magazine Vol.54 No.2/Spring 2023

Hydrogen’s promise as a climate solution has fascinated Hollywood screenwriters, entrepreneurs, scientists, and governments, including China, India, the U.S. and EU for decades. According to McKinsey  & Co. investment in hydrogen manufacture is coming fast and furious as governments and individuals embrace hydrogen. Over the next decade 680  large scale hydrogen projects will be commenced worldwide at a projected cost of $240 billion.

Zero Carbon? Yes and No.

When hydrogen is burned or used in a fuel cell it produces zero carbon emissions. Wha-hoo, that fact is why hydrogen has become the holy grail of climate friendly energy. But as with all things, not so fast. Pure hydrogen is rarely found in nature. Because of that, hydrogen must be EXTRACTED from another source. Today nearly all hydrogen is extracted from coal and natural gas and that process releases carbon dioxide into the environment. Damn, that doesn’t sound good and it isn’t good. Investigators claim if “hydrogen production were a country it would rank as the world’s fourth largest source of carbon dioxide.” Staggering numbers when the small amount of hydrogen being produced is taken into consideration.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen can be produced from water, using renewable energy. Unfortunately, less than 1% of hydrogen production is green. But, even green hydrogen isn’t harmless. When burned hydrogen creates nitrous oxides. Those pollutants can cause asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. Furthermore,  hydrogen is leak prone with a potent climate warming effect that is not talked about, but needs to be addressed. As  EDF scientist, Ilissa Ocko said, “If hydrogen is going to deliver what its backers promise, we need to keep it from escaping (leaking) into the atmosphere.”

A Fully Hydrogen Powered World is Unlikely

Currently, hydrogen is used primarily in oil refining and the chemical industry. Otherwise, hydrogen use is on a very small scale in buses, cars, trucks, trains, and homes.  Ocko believes a fully hydrogen powered world is “unlikely and unnecessary.” In most cases renewable electricity is a more efficient choice. If hydrogen isn’t going to be universal where does its production make the most sense? The experts say it makes the most sense in heat-intensive industries, such as cement production, or in ships where electrification is difficult.

Keep ‘Em Close

Scientists are recommending the manufacture of hydrogen be close to where it will be used. It is important to minimize leaks during transportation. Experts agree that a hydrogen system that’s as leaky as the current natural gas system could lead to major problems for the environment and the climate. Locating, measuring, and sealing hydrogen leaks is a critical issue that will need to be solved.

How Dangerous Are Hydrogen Leaks

Hydrogen leaks are a safety hazard because hydrogen gas molecules are tiny and flammable.  Because hydrogen is an indirect greenhouse gas when it leaks it creates a chain of chemical reactions that raise levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Small hydrogen leaks are serious because they exacerbate global warming. Finding those small leaks, until recently was impossible. Today however a new sensor is showing success. By detecting tens of parts per billion of hydrogen within seconds, the sensor represents a technological breakthrough in hydrogen emissions detection. Tianyl Sun, an EDF scientist says, “right now we know very, very little about how much hydrogen leaks. Filling that gap in our understanding is critically important for the climate.”

The Future of Hydrogen

The future of hydrogen is up in the air. Hydrogen can be a key tool to cut climate pollution, but its dangers may outweigh its positives. As with most things, time will tell.

Is A Tiny House For You?

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Is  A Tiny House For You?

A lot of people in America are looking to downsize and are changing housing options by going tiny house.Is A Tiny House For You?

D. S. Mitchell

Affordable Housing Is Getting Harder To Come By

Housing in the United States is expensive and growing more expensive by the day. In fact, the lack of affordable housing is a major social issue in the world’s richest country.  As housing pressures stress the country some folks are looking around for different options.  There has been a growing trend in the United States toward minimalist living and the tiny house is at the forefront of that movement. Many people are attracted to the prospect of financial freedom, a simpler lifestyle, and a smaller human environmental footprint.

Downsize Revolution

The downsize revolution promotes living structures with sizes between 300 and 700 square feet. In general, the tiny home is 400 sq. ft or less. In some cases, the homes are on wheels. Despite the stated positives, they are not for everyone. Small does not necessarily equate with cheap. A tiny house can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000. Holy Moly. The cost of course is dependent on a series of factors: location, building complexity, materials, and finally are you doing it yourself, or are you having it built. A contractor construction package will generally cost twice as much as a “do it yourself” house.

Small Often Costs More

Not always identified, but a serious matter, are the extra building costs for appliances, fixtures, water heaters and heating & cooling systems because of their reduced size. The rule it seems is that the smaller, the more expensive. It is important that you do some very careful figuring before you commit yourself to building a tiny home. One recommendation would be to get a minimum of three bids. Many builders  do sizeable markups on small projects.

Carefully Weigh The Pro And Cons Of A DIY Tiny House

Before you decide to DIY you need to understand that construction of a tiny home can take from three to six months if you are working at it full-time. When taking on such a project it is important to consider that while you are trying to save money on contractors you need to account for the money you won’t be earning while you are acting as your own contractor. Unless you are an experienced carpenter the frustration and potential areas for significant error should be added into your equation. Weigh those pros and cons carefully.

NOAH Certification

There are pre-fab tiny homes being made, but this is a case where buyer beware. Avoid potential pitfalls by making sure the NOAH (National Organization of Alternative Housing) certifies the plan and the builder. Things like windows, framing, roofing, insulation, become very expensive if you need to go back and fix things done incorrectly the first time.

Research Is The Key

I know it looks like fun, and even exciting when seen on TV, but before you commit the time, energy, and money required to build a tiny house, please do some big time research. Self education is essential before you go tiny. This should not be a decision made one Sunday night after watching a television show featuring tiny houses. There are books, magazines, videos, workshops and even Facebook groups which provide excellent information.

Try It Out First

I saw one article where the writer recommended that anyone considering building a tiny home to try it out first. I thought that was a great idea. You can rent tiny cabins all over the country. Give it a try. For at least a week, I would suggest. And bring a lot of stuff with you, and remember, this tiny space could potentially be your full time home, with all of your junk, and the necessities, that go with actually living in a home.

Before You Build

I can imagine a lot of people loving their tiny home and never wanting to go back. However, I can also visualize a significant number of people not adapting well to the smaller lifestyle, and regretting their purchase. Please, don’t be a regretter, be a planner, be a student, before you build.  Have fun. Even if you don’t go “tiny” you will have learned a lot about the “Tiny House” industry,  yourself, and your needs.

The Inflation Reduction Act At Work

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The Inflation Reduction Act At Work

 

The Inflation Reduction Act At Work

By D. S. Mitchell

In the Winter edition of “Solutions,” a publication of the Environmental Defense there was a brief article on the Inflation Reduction Act by Vanessa Glavinskas.  Ms. Glavinskas explained five benefits to the average American to facilitate the transition to clean renewable energy.  The new law allocates $369 billion to address climate change and promote lower-carbon living through rebates and tax credits. Listed below are five areas of your home where you can start saving money today.

The Roof: Time to add solar panels. The new law provides tax credits of up to 30% to households that invest in clean energy. The credit is retroactive to 2022. The typical cost for a residential solar set up is around $19,000. In that scenario a homeowner would save $5,700. The cost of the system is usually recouped within 12 years.

The Driveway: The new law gives tax credits of up to $4,000 for buying a used electrical vehicle and up to $7,500 for a new EV. The EV must have final assembly in North America to qualify. This means some brands won’t qualify. So if it is important to you to get those tax credits make sure you confirm that the EV you intend to buy was assembled in the U.S.A.

The Kitchen: Gas stoves leak the super pollutant methane, comparable to 500,000 gasoline powered cars. Furthermore gas stoves also release the carcinogenic benzene. If you want to transition to an electric stove, oven, or range there are rebates of up to $840.

The Laundry Room: Heat pump clothes dryers, rarely seen in the U.S. but popular in Europe take a bit longer to dry a load of clothes but are much more energy efficient than traditional models. Qualifying households can get a rebate of up to $840.

The Thermostat: A heat pump is an efficient way to heat and cool your home. With a heat pump the system transfers heat between your home and the outdoors and can save you hundreds of dollars annually. Most U.S. households can qualify for a tax credit up to $2,000. Low income families may be able to qualify for a tax credit of as much as $8,000 per installation.