I have a list of ideas for future changes, but I'll deplete that pretty soon.
Any suggestions?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 5
Today I choose the Earth over my poor toes and said goodbye to my space heater. This change also applies to my fan in the summer. To be honest, I dread that much much more. I LOVE sleeping with a fan on.
Do you think it'd be cheating if I carbon offset my fan come July? xD I almost can't believe how attached I am to such an insignificant comfort. I hope I can change my thinking over the course of this year.
Do you think it'd be cheating if I carbon offset my fan come July? xD I almost can't believe how attached I am to such an insignificant comfort. I hope I can change my thinking over the course of this year.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
100 Percent Renewable Energy Possible by 2030?
A study published by Energy Policy claimed that the entire world could move entirely off fossil fuels and use entirely renewable sources by 2030.
According to the study this would require the building of 1.7 billion solar energy roof panels, approximately 90,000 solar power plants, 5 MW wind turbines, and the use of geothermal and wave powered energy.
All of these technologies are currently in use, though the majority of the world's power is still carbon-based.
Current infrastructure and laws place renewable energy no where near the level of priority required for this all to take place in the next 19 years, though changes in China, the US, and throughout Europe are occurring. The EU's current goal is to have a mandatory 20% renewable by 2020. While admirable, it doesn't place us near this calculation.
I suppose my thought on all of this is that while this would be a HUGE step forward, it doesn't come near to restoring the Earth. While ceasing to add crap to our system is great, it still doesn't remove the crap we've already dumped. I feel that too much of the environmental movement gets focused on high-tech solutions in the future and not enough on working with what we have.
Thoughts?
According to the study this would require the building of 1.7 billion solar energy roof panels, approximately 90,000 solar power plants, 5 MW wind turbines, and the use of geothermal and wave powered energy.
All of these technologies are currently in use, though the majority of the world's power is still carbon-based.
Current infrastructure and laws place renewable energy no where near the level of priority required for this all to take place in the next 19 years, though changes in China, the US, and throughout Europe are occurring. The EU's current goal is to have a mandatory 20% renewable by 2020. While admirable, it doesn't place us near this calculation.
I suppose my thought on all of this is that while this would be a HUGE step forward, it doesn't come near to restoring the Earth. While ceasing to add crap to our system is great, it still doesn't remove the crap we've already dumped. I feel that too much of the environmental movement gets focused on high-tech solutions in the future and not enough on working with what we have.
Thoughts?
Day 4
Today is a sad day. I bid farewell to my energy-sucking hair dryer and straightener. :(
I may not have my long locks anymore but I still very much rely on my electrical hair tools.
I may not have my long locks anymore but I still very much rely on my electrical hair tools.
Day 3
Today I resolved to not buy any new clothing. Secondhand shops will service me well enough, though it may take a bit more time to find specific pieces.
It is well worth the effort to prevent the energy from being expended to create ANOTHER pair of jeans for the world.
It is well worth the effort to prevent the energy from being expended to create ANOTHER pair of jeans for the world.
Day 2
For day two, I resolved to recycle as many products as I possibly could through my city.
For the time being that includes paper, aluminum and transparent plastics.
I don't foresee this being toooo strenuous a task.
For the time being that includes paper, aluminum and transparent plastics.
I don't foresee this being toooo strenuous a task.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 1 of My Epic Eco Challenge
So, I recently finished re-reading a book called 'Sleeping Naked Is Green' by Vanessa Farquharson, which details her attempt to make one eco-friendly change every day for 365 days.
I have challenged myself to follow in her footsteps.
Today's change: using cold water for doing the dishes, washing hands, shaving legs, doing laundry, and lukewarm for showers.
A HUGE amount of energy is used to heat water. Turning down my water heater isn't an option (Mom's house, Mom's rules), and this is definately the next best thing.
I have challenged myself to follow in her footsteps.
Today's change: using cold water for doing the dishes, washing hands, shaving legs, doing laundry, and lukewarm for showers.
A HUGE amount of energy is used to heat water. Turning down my water heater isn't an option (Mom's house, Mom's rules), and this is definately the next best thing.
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