ETR (ENERGY TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION) The Answer to the Climate Crisis

Last week I wrote about the Keystone XL Pipeline and the disastrous environmental repercussions of its pending installation. http://innerbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com/2011/09/say-no-to-keystone-xl-pipeline.html  Today, I want to focus on solutions to the climate crisis and what you can do to help.  We are now in the beginnings of the Energy Technology Revolution, the next great Industrial Revolution.  The outcome of this revolution will be more power to service our ever growing worldwide population, the development of clean, nonpolluting and renewable sources of energy, the creation of more U.S. jobs, and a lessening of our dependence on fossil fuels that are pumping tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  Currently, the production of oil, coal and gas is creating havoc on human health and accelerating climate change.  Energy technology is an exciting answer to the climate crisis.  Solar and wind power are potential solutions for our homes and biodiesel and ethanol for our cars, among others.  We must start investing our dollars in America’s workers, industries and innovations.  Government subsidies should be provided to this effect and/or tax breaks.

Solar Energy –On a bright sunny day, the sun shines approx 1,000 watts of energy per square meter onto the Earth’s surface.  This energy can and should be harvested in a safe/environmentally friendly way.   Technology has improved remarkably in this area and solar energy has become a booming business.  Fields of solar panels are now being installed around the world.  In fact, it is estimated a solar paneled field, the size of France, has the potential to provide clean energy to the entire planet!   In Germany, the government provides subsidies in renewable and solar energy.  Currently, Germany has more jobs in the solar energy field than automotive and engineering combined.  Solar energy can be used to heat a home or business.  Since the United States uses approx 26 percent of the world’s electricity, we should be revolutionizing this industry.  Currently, solar panels can be put on select homes. *If you live in Long Island, Renewable Energy Long Island has a solar tour on October 1, 2011.  See this link for more details (http://www.renewableenergylongisland.org/) **Additionally, see local company listing below.



Field of Solar Panels



Wind Power –Wind Turbines are picking up speed.  They can pump out pollution-free electricity but there still are some kinks.  Since wind turbine power is proportional to the cube of wind velocity, it does not take much of a drop from 12mph to make it unworkable.  That is why offshore wind power projects can minimize the impact of local weather changes.  Hence, if you put the turbines in just-the right place (Atlantic Ocean?) and link them the right way, there will almost always be power because the wind will almost always be blowing somewhere.  Also, ocean and bird habitats will have to be addressed.  Overall, this technology has vast potential and should be pursued.

Here is an interesting fact….  Rudolph Diesel invented to diesel car in the early 1900’s to run on vegetable and peanut oil.  Why is it 100 years later and our cars still run on gasoline?

Biodiesel Fuel –You can fuel your car with vegetable, peanut or soy oil.  How cool is that!  Imagine, running your diesel car on cooking oil!  It burns clean and has no greenhouse gases.  You can go to McDonalds and take the left-over french fry oil to use as fuel for your car.  Dunkin Donuts works too!  I never thought these restaurants had a purpose!  Ultimately, this is also a low/no cost alternative because you are taking something that was going to be thrown out.  Speaking of trash, biogas, the byproduct of decomposing organic matter using methane from landfills is also being studied as well as wood trimmings, grass clippings and algae.

Ethanol – This fuel is made from ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol or a grain alcohol.  It is already being mixed in with gasoline at our pumps (hence… 10 percent ethanol.)  Ethanol (E85) can now be purchased around the country.  This picture was taken at the Valero gas station in Mount Sinai, New York. 

 Like biodiesel, ethanol is much lower in cost than gasoline, produces less carbon emissions and is good for our economy.  Since it can be produced from domestically grown crops, it lowers or can virtually eliminate our dependence on foreign oil.

We have the opportunity to do something right that will benefit the entire world population and our planet.  We need to be cautious about the way new technology is implemented but optimistic that solutions will benefit future generations.  While we wait for technology to be designed, implemented and installed, here’s a list of some of the things you can do RIGHT NOW to reduce your carbon footprint.  These may seem silly, but a concerted effort can make a huge difference: 

1.   If you can walk, do it.  If you can bike somewhere, do it.  If you have to take a car, combine trips or carpool, if possible.

2.   Since plastic bags need fossil fuel for production, keep a stack of renewable bags for whenever you go to the store.

3.   Buy local!  This will eliminate thousands of pounds of carbon by reducing fossil fuel transportation.

4.   Don’t purchase bottled water.  Since these bottles require fossil fuel for their production, you can make a huge difference by not purchasing them.  Filter your tap water instead.

5.   Conserve your electricity.  Only use your appliances when you have a full load (dishwasher, dryer and washing machine)

6.   Eliminate Phantom Power!  Use power strips on electronic goods so you can turn them off when not in use.  They drain power even if they are off.

7.   Turn down the heat!  There is no reason to have your house like a sauna, besides it is NOT healthy!  http://innerbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com/2011/06/open-your-damn-windows.html

8.   Take advantage of natural daylight allowing it to flow in your house or go outside!

SOLAR COMPANIES – LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

Go Solar, 63 Laurel Avenue, Riverhead, NY (631) 727-2224 http://www.gosolar.com/  

LI Power Solutions Solar Power, 1700 Arctic Avenue, Bohemia, NY (631) 256-6022 http://www.longislandpowersolutions.com/

Majestic Sun & Sons, 508 Route 112, Patchogue, NY (631) 627-3940 http://www.majesticsonli.com/

Green Logic Energy, (Corporate Office) 425 County Road 39A, Suite 101, Southampton, NY (877) 771-4330 http://www.greenlogic.com/

ORGANIZATION

http://www.renewableenergylongisland.org/

INNER BEAUTY WORKSHOP CLASSES ARE FORMING.  PLEASE SEE MY WEBSITE: WWW.INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM FOR DETAILS OR EMAIL ME AT:  CHRISTINE@INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM. 

MY BLOG HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST BLOG ON LONG ISLAND.  PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO PLACE A VOTE FOR ME:  http://www.longislandblogposts.com/voteforblog/innerbeautyworkshops

REFERENCES

http://facts-about-solar-energy.com/facts-about-solar-energy.html

http://www.squidoo.com/Carbon-Footprint-2

http://www.biodieseloflasvegas.com/biodiesel-history.aspx

http://environment.about.com/od/ethanolfaq/f/ethanol_benefit.htm

Say NO to the Keystone XL Pipeline!

**This post is political, but it shouldn't be.  The fate of our planet is an important issue and is a human problem, not a political one.  In order to cultivate our inner beauty, we need to be aware of our world and what's happening around us.  Please take the time to read this lengthy post.  It is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention and action:

In the next few months, President Obama has an important decision to make, whether or not to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, which will run from Alberta Canada through the Gulf of Mexico.  Proponents of the pipeline claim it will create 20,000 construction jobs and increase energy security.(1)   Opponents to the pipeline claim that it will destroy human health and lead to the potential destruction of our planet.(2)  Let’s see, on one side of the coin it’s jobs and oil independence, on the other human health and the preservation of our planet.  While the decision should be a no-brainer, it is rumored that Obama will approve the pipeline.  Why would any rational person choose the creation of temporary jobs and fossil fuel independence over the safety of our people or planet?  Why is this even a subject of debate? 

Proposed Keystone Pipe Route

The pipeline, which is 3 feet in diameter,(3) will carry in it one of the dirtiest and most expensive oils to refine called tar sands oil aka bituminous sand.  If you want to have a visual of what this sand looks like, picture what asphalt tar looks like before it is applied to a blacktop or driveway.  It is thick, black and gooey.  Now add some sand, clay, water and a volatile natural gas to the mix and you have something that will resemble tar sand oil.  This dirty oil will be extracted in Canada and this pipeline will run through the states of Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and end in Texas, where it will be refined. (4)  The refining process is expensive and wouldn’t even be a consideration today if the current prices of oil were lower.  Here are some of the major issues why the proposed Keystone XL pipeline is NOT a good idea.

1.       Risk of Oil Spills – The existing Keystone pipeline, which runs from Canada to Oklahoma and Illinois has already leaked.  As a matter of fact, in May of 2011, the pipeline had to be shut down because a six story geyser leaked 21,000 gallons of oil.(5) Tar sand oil is corrosive, acidic and should not be put in a thin walled pipe.   People are fallible and even the best and most talented construction managers /workers cannot guarantee these pipes won’t sprout a leak.  Shouldn’t we have learned something after the whole BP fiasco? 

BP oil spill

2.      Destruction of farmlands, forests and ecosystems-The proposed 1600 mile long pipeline route will go through farms, forests, rivers and streams.  If the pipeline runs through a farmer’s property, the farmer has no recourse because the government can dig up his field under the principal of “eminent domain.”  How would you like the government to come into your backyard, install a 36 inch pipe filled with some of the dirtiest and most toxic oil ever mined and, according to our laws, you cannot object?  In addition, the pipeline will go through the boreal forest, upsetting natural ecosystems.(6)  As we know, trees provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide 24 hours a day from the atmosphere.  We should be looking to protect and preserve these vital areas and their habitat, not strip them!

3.      Threaten drinking water-The proposed pipe route runs over the Ogallala aquifer, which supplies drinking water to people and businesses in eight states.   If there is a leak of oil into this aquifer, human, plant and animal life could be jeopardized.  In addition, since this aquifer supplies water to 1/5 the total U.S. agricultural harvest, more than 20 billion worth of food can become contaminated.(7)  This doesn’t just affect the people in the region but everyone!

4.      Greenhouse gases – Al Gore warned us in his movie, “An Inconvenient Truth” that Global warming was a very serious issue.(8)  Hundreds of scientists have backed up his data.  Consequently, Global Climate Coalition, a group representing the oil industry, led an aggressive campaign against the idea that emissions of heat trapping gasses led to global warming.  This was done to create confusion to the American people.(9)  However, global warming is very real and the refining process (which will be done in Texas), will raise carbon dioxide levels in our environment well beyond the safe level of 350ppm.  Actually, we are already over that level and are currently at 391ppm.(10) The pipeline could potentially bring CO2 levels into the 600ppm range!  This is why climate scientist James Hansen has said, “game over “ if the pipeline is completed.(11)  No wonder why nine Nobel Peace Prize Laureates have opposed the Keystone LX Pipeline.  THIS IS SCARY STUFF!  PLEASE…LEAVE THE CARBON IN THE SAND!

Hurricane devastation

Advocates of the pipeline claim it will provide the necessary jobs to boost the economy and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.  Let me shoot down these two arguments.

1.       Job creation - With unemployment rates skyrocketing, we can all be in agreement that we new jobs are a necessity.  The pipeline will most definitely create new jobs.  However, why do new jobs need to be created around a project that is a potential human health hazard and an environmental catastrophe?  Let me ask you this question…If the dirty/toxic oil from the Keystone LX pipeline leaks into the Ogallala aquifer, what would that do the jobs/economy in that area?  If the government wants to create jobs, how about repairing our crumbling infrastructure?  I hear that the Tappan Zee Bridge is very dangerous, yet how many people cross travel over it daily?  Actually, in 2006 the National Bridge Inventory by the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation claimed that 2,011 bridges were rated as “structurally deficient.”(12)  Just think how many jobs repairing these bridges will provide!  We don’t have to destroy our environment to provide good jobs.  We have the ability to create jobs that will make this country a safer and better place to live.

Tappan Zee Bridge in desperate need of repair

2.      Energy independence - Proponents of the pipeline say this will increase energy security and lower our dependence on foreign oil.  This would be a sound argument if the oil we refine here in the United States was ours to keep.  Unfortunately, this is not usually the case.  Most oil goes to the world market where it is sold to the highest bidder.  For instance, last year we refined oil in Louisiana and instead of it going to our homes and businesses it was sold to Europe.  In the meantime, our oil prices went up.  Philip K. Verleger, Jr. wrote a paper called “The Tar Sands Road to China.”  Need I say more?!(13)

Please say NO to the Key Stone LX Pipeline and urge Obama not to grant the permit!  Our planet is counting on you!

References

(1)   http://dcnonl.com/article/id46671

(2)   http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=11-P13-00036&segmentID=5

(3)   http://stopbigoilripoffs.com/documents/tar-sands-road-to-china/at_download/file

(4)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands

(5)   http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_dae7b66e-e0c5-5677-9acd-0773efb0d8d1.html

(6)   http://www.fws.gov/birds/documents/UnspoiledFinal.pdf

(7)   http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-ogallala-aquifer

(8)   http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/an-inconvenient-truth/

(9)   http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/science/earth/24deny.html?pagewanted=all

(10)    http://www.350.org/

(11)     http://northsidefriends.org/print.php?news.115

(12)     http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20070803/NEWS01/70803009/Tappan-Zee-Bridge-has-received-poor-ratings

(13)     http://stopbigoilripoffs.com/documents/tar-sands-road-to-china/at_download/file


**To get involved visit this website:  http://www.tarsandsaction.org/

United We Must Stand………….

My Grandfather was a very patriotic man.  He emigrated from Greece to the United States when he was a young boy.  He worked odd and end jobs to help support his family, while also putting himself through school.  He cooked for his college roommates in return for wearing their clothes.  He became a successful dentist until he retired at age 71.  He always spoke about how grateful he was for the opportunities this country afforded him and he was very proud to call himself an American.  Every July 4^th, he draped a huge American flag over his house.   He died one month prior to 911.  He was 94.  I was glad he was not alive to see the events on 911.  It would have destroyed him. 

It has now been 10 years since that fateful day and it is still just as heartbreaking.  One month prior to 911, I was in the World Trade Towers with my family.  My husband wanted to show our children the Trade Towers because he found it funny that he once worked in the basement of one of the tallest buildings in the world.  As we stood in the lobby, I remember watching the people come up and down the elevators…all spectacularly dressed for work.  I thought to myself how lucky they were, as I stood in a pile of sweat holding the hands of my two young children.  It saddens me to think how many of those people I watched that day died.  I’m sure many of them.  This sad memory is seared into my brain.  This memory and the events of the day have prevented me from peering into the many questions and mysteries that have since ensued.  There are so many unanswered questions and so much distrust.  It’s been 10 years and I have to ask myself, “What has happened to the America that my Grandfather was so patriotic for? “

We are currently in a state of economic crisis.  We have high unemployment, a devalued dollar and our stock market has been on a roller coaster ride.  People are very dissatisfied with the current state of affairs and have looked to the government to solve their problems.  Let me ask you, how can our government solve these problems and many more when they cannot even agree to disagree?  Our system of democracy is a complete…”mess!”  What is needed to rectify the situation?  We need new leadership, new direction and a sense of unity.

The United State’s Constitution prevents the government from taking away our rights, such as freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.  Our founding fathers would roll over in their graves if they knew we desperately needed a constitutional amendment to protect our rights to clean air, food and water.  What would this mean?  For starters doing away with GMO’s and finding organic sustainable ways to feed our population.  It would mean strict regulations regarding carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  It would put a stop to the pollution of our oceans and waterways.  It would require manufacturers to provide quality, wholesome and healthy ingredients to their consumers.  This constitutional amendment to clean food, air and water is the answer to the healthcare crisis, which is our country’s biggest drain.  It would provide automatic prevention!  By eating more nutrient dense foods and ingesting less toxic chemicals, less people would get sick.  In addition, education should be mandated for the prevention of disease.  Knowing how to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle should be taught not only by our parents, but by our schools as early as 1^st grade.  The question shouldn’t be whether people deserve healthcare.   THEY DESERVE TO BE HEALTHY!  The bottom line is that corporations have become too powerful and our government too much indebted to them.  This has gone on too long.  It has not only destroyed our quality of living and is leading to the destruction of our planet, but it has destroyed our sense of patriotism and our faith in democracy.  I say, “Enough is enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!  GAME OVER!”

Just call me...."Betsy"

It certainly is time for a change.  I propose we start with something simple like our flag.  Shouldn’t it be a symbol of unity?   How can a flag that has 50 separate stars represent unity?  Aren’t we one nation or how about one planet?  I have crocheted a new flag that seems fitting and in it I have placed one star.  Inside the star, I have placed the twin towers.  Ironically, they form the number eleven which happens to be this year (2011).  What does that signify?  The time for positive change is NOW……….

**If anyone reading this blog post either lost a loved one on 9/11 or was part of the clean-up efforts, I would be glad to donate this flag to you.  Please email me at:  christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com and I will be honored to mail it to you.

INNER BEAUTY WORKSHOP CLASSES ARE BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER, 2011.  PLEASE SEE MY WEBSITE: WWW.INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM FOR DETAILS OR EMAIL ME AT:  CHRISTINE@INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM. 

MY BLOG HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST BLOG ON LONG ISLAND.  PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO PLACE A VOTE FOR ME:  http://www.longislandblogposts.com/voteforblog/innerbeautyworkshops

Every Day Can Be New Years!

New Year’s Eve is a celebration of the pending New Year.   Most of us wake up New Year’s Day and set into motion a bunch of new resolutions that we hope will come to fruition.  We start each year with the enthusiasm, resolve and willpower to accomplish those goals.  Yes, the New Year usually starts with a bang, but as the months drag on, our hopes and dreams begin to fizzle.  Most of us do not accomplish those goals we set out to achieve on January 1^st.  Here’s the good news…..we don’t need to wait until January 1^st to set a bunch of new goals.  There’s no need to wait because we can set goals each and every day.    We must learn to set goals NOW because NOW is the present.  We don’t live in the future.  The future never comes because when it does, it is the present!  So I say today is New Year’s….HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Time to set some goals!

Here’s how we start.  I want you to evaluate your bad habits and come up with a list of those you want to change.  For instance you may want to quit smoking or drinking.  Instead of writing that you want to lose 30 lbs, I want you to make a list of the bad habits contributing to the weight gain.  For example, “I want to eat less processed foods.  I want to give up diet soda.  I want to quit drinking caffeine.”  Once you have a list, I want you to rank them from the easiest goal to accomplish to the hardest to accomplish.  Then, start with the easiest goal and work towards overcoming it.  Once you have mastered it, you overcame your first hurdle.  After you accomplish the first goal, start another one.  As you meet and conquer each resolution, you will grow stronger and progress further because the bad habits were in the way of your progress, livelihood, health, energy and efficiency.  It is through overcoming our obstacles that we grow strong.  We don’t need to conquer Nations, just ourselves. 

Once the bad habits are out of the way, it’s time to set aims or a direction in life.  You know the saying, “life’s a journey.”  Since we are always traveling, isn’t it a good idea to have a path?   If we have a direction, we are sure to arrive somewhere.  If we travel around aimlessly, we may never get anywhere.  Or maybe we would just go around and around in circles.  Once we have a direction and we work toward it with unwavering faith we are sure to become successful.  It is important not to let anything or anyone hinder your path.  Just forge forward with the same resolve and will that you had when you overcame your bad habits.   In the end, the outcome may not be exactly what you wanted, but it may lead you down another path on the journey of life. 

Isn’t this a fun way to start each and every day?  You can review and work toward your goals daily.  Also, feel free to reward yourself along the way.  Life is a blank canvas and you are the artist.  Now start painting….Happy New Year!

INNER BEAUTY WORKSHOP CLASSES ARE BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER, 2011.  PLEASE SEE MY WEBSITE: WWW.INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM FOR DETAILS OR EMAIL ME AT:  CHRISTINE@INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM. 

MY BLOG HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST BLOG ON LONG ISLAND.  PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO PLACE A VOTE FOR ME:  http://www.longislandblogposts.com/voteforblog/innerbeautyworkshops