Category: Solutions

Ways we can help Mother Earth

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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…

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.

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.

 

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.

 

 

Carbon Capture Is B.S.

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Carbon Capture Is B.S.

“Carbon capture and storage is a process in which a relatively pure stream of carbon dioxide from industrial sources is separated, treated and transported to a long-term storage location. For example, the carbon dioxide stream that is to be captured can result from burning fossil fuels or biomass.” Wikipedia

 

CARBON CAPTURE IS DANGEROUS BULL SHIT

By D. S. Mitchell

Oil companies are woke to the fact that carbon capture allows them to remain in business longer. I’m  sure there are CEO’s at the big oil companies who believe that all they have to do is bury their emissions and they can stay in business forever. CO2 is their industry waste, in other words, their damn garbage. It is the biggest driver of climate crisis and the greatest threat to our food and water supply. Carbon capture is a scheme of the fossil fuel industry that has found supporters in Washington, D. C.

The U.S. government, actually the U.S. taxpayer, is offering big bucks to companies working on carbon capture projects. The most conclusive thing we know so far about carbon capture is that it is a failure; a dangerous failure.  The dream of carbon capture “keeps the U.S. addicted to fossil fuels, degrades our agricultural land, threatens our water, and puts our communities and climate at risk.” Emma Schmit.

Summit Carbon Solutions, Navigator Heartland Greenway and Wolf Carbon are proposing nearly 4,000 miles of hazardous pipeline that will cross Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Hopefully activists in those states will pressure state authorities to deny permits to applicants for these dangerous projects. In many cases these pipelines are seeking eminent domain to force landowners to deed them private property for the pipeline.

The question really is why when we know the safety concerns and the technology is a failure, why is our government still trying to make carbon capture happen? It is time to stop the scam. Time to stop the fossil fuel industry from playing games with our future.

5 Reasons Carbon Capture is Dangerous Bull Shit

  1. Carbon Storage And Transport Are Not Safe. When carbon pipelines rupture they can expel lethal levels of carbon dioxide, an invisible asphyxiant literally for miles surrounding the break. CO2 displaces oxygen, stalling combustion engines and impairing emergency response. CO2 can leak from storage containers and contaminate groundwater and soil.
  2. Carbon Capture A Colossal Failure. Billions of public and private monies have been spent over multiple decades developing carbon capture projects and it has proven a complete folly. The Densbury Pipeline outside Satartia, Mississippi and the Petra Nova coal plant in Texas are just two examples of leaks, ruptures, frequent shut offs and persistent technological problems.
  3.  Carbon Capture Is Energy Intensive. The United States emits approximately 5 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere annually. To capture a mere 25% of that figure would require nearly the entire electrical output of the nation.
  4. Carbon Capture Increases Emissions.  Due to both the life cycle of fossil fuels and the huge amount of energy required to capture carbon such projects in the U.S. have emitted more CO2 than it ever removed.  95% of the captured carbon is currently being used to extract more oil in a practice known as ‘enhanced oil recovery.”
  5. Carbon Capture Diverts Investments From Renewable Energy. Time is of the essence. We need to move to renewable energy to stop the worst effects of climate change, the greatest threat to our water, food, and a livable future. The switch from fossil to renewable sources will be slowed as long as the fossil fuel industry can convince the public and government officials to continue investing in carbon capture schemes instead of focusing on safe and proven clean energy solutions.

If you have little knowledge about the subject of carbon capture, now is the time to learn about it. Then once you understand the dangers please tell your Senator and your Congressperson that you want to stop wasting time and money on this bogus plan by the fossil fuel industry to stay in business forever.

The Dangers of Permafrost Thaw

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The Dangers Of Permafrost Thaw

Permafrost thaw is a growing danger

The Dangers of Permafrost Thaw

By Anne Rose Muiruri

What Is Permafrost?

Permafrost is any sort of frozen ground, ranging from soil to sediment to rock, that has remained frozen for at least two years and as long as hundreds of thousands of years. It can range in depth from a few feet to more than a mile beneath the earth’s surface, covering huge regions like the Arctic tundra or a single, isolated point like an alpine permafrost mountaintop.

Microbial Breakdown

Microbes that breakdown the carcasses of plants and animals release carbon dioxide, methane, and other global warming gases into the air. A deep freeze successfully halts that process, preserving organisms as well as the gases they would otherwise release underground in the permafrost. The microbial decomposition of those organic materials—and the emission of greenhouse gases—restarts when frozen soil thaws.

Continue reading

Thinking Tiny House?

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Thinking Tiny House?

A lot of people are looking to tiny house living.

Thinking Tiny House?

Not everyone wants a mega mansion. In fact, there is a growing minimalist movement in the U.S.

D. S. Mitchell

‘Downsize Revolution’

If  you’ve  ever watched “Tiny House Nation” or “Tiny House” on television you are aware of a growing trend in the United States toward minimalist living. Many people are attracted to the prospect of financial freedom, a simpler lifestyle, and a smaller human environmental footprint.  Cities are encouraging ADUs (Accessory Living Units) in urban areas to increase housing options. 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 even on wheels. Despite the stated positives, they are not for everyone.

Costs To Consider

Small does not necessarily equate with cheap. A tiny house can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000. There is no land, so in some ways it is like a mobile home, the owner of a tiny home needs to find space to rent or buy to place the home. Holy Moly. The cost 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.

Reduced Appliance Size

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.

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