Practical Efficiency

When I launched a Sacramento county-wide recycling drive in the 1970's, our group was asked to stop by national paper companies. They said there wasn't a need for more paper and we would hurt church groups and boy scout troops who made money recycling newspapers. Our goal was to educate the public and encourage the local government to recycle.

I am happy to say that today recycling is not only accepted, but expected. Recently, I helped launch a desk side recycling program for Sonoma County employees. After receiving blue recycling cans at each desk, employees were happy to recycle and felt better about their workplace.

Today California, participating in a worldwide effort, has a goal of zero waste. It revolves around changing attitudes about waste and considering resource management. Proper management of our resources should change our attitudes about waste. Creating waste is not efficient and thus costly in many ways.

The basics of approaching zero waste are:
1. Reduce- purchase products with less packaging, buy in bulk, get off junk mail lists, bottle your own water
2. Reuse- take bags to the store, donate items to charity, buy recycled products
3. Recycle- always use recycle containters and demand them where you work and shop; use a mulching lawnmower; take electronics, paint, batteries, and other items to special recycling points.

The Earth 911 website can help you locate local information on wise use of resources. Another great resource is the Zero Waste International Alliance.

Posted by Peter Spencer at 10:43 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Wouldn't it be great if you could neutralize the carbon you contribute to the atmosphere? Well, I have good news! Now there are simple steps to zeroing out the carbon dioxide you generate.

Climate change is being driven by the increasing amounts of carbon in the atmosphere. Your input of CO2 to the atmosphere, about 20 tons per person in the US, is mainly produced by gasoline burned in vehicles, electricity use, and natural gas consumption.

Carbon offsetting is an increasingly popular method of reducing one's burden on the planet. Projects are created and supported to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Offsetting projects include planting forests, investing in renewable energy, and increasing energy efficiency.

Many new organizations provide easy payment methods to offset some or all of your carbon emissions. For example, a Toyota Camry, would typically emit about 8,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year (based on 12,000 miles/yr.) You can zero this out by purchasing carbon offsets for about $5o per year. Take a look at the following carbon offsetting organizations and see how easy it is reduce your burden on the planet.

* Terrapass
* Carbonfund
* Native Energy
* Carbon Footprint

Posted by Peter Spencer at 11:52 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Dilbert's Ultimate House is certainly the most humorous example of sustainable building. The home follows energy efficient and green building concepts mixed with fun. It is a web-based, virtual house designed by Dilbert's eco-friendly fans. Energy efficiency concepts were incorporated with help by experts from PG&E, a large utility provider.

While mostly created for fun, serious considerations were energy usage approaching zero, use of green building materials when practical, healthy indoor air quality, and water savings.

It's great to see Dilbert contributing to the sustainability movement. Make sure you check out the funniest ideas and impractical suggestions on the website.

Posted by Peter Spencer at 11:32 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Half of the world's forests have been destroyed, most in the last few decades. We lose 33 football fields per minute of forest land. This is not sustainable!

There is a simple way to help protect the world's forests. When purchasing wood or paper products, check for certification from an organization seeking to guarantee sustainable management.

To be certified, a product is produced from a forest which grows and harvests trees with the long-term protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. Around the world, logging can displace native peoples and lead to violence against people and wildlife. Global warming will place a great burden on the world's forests. We can something by making practical decisions to only purchase certified products which contribute to the health of the planet.

Certifying organizations include:

* Forest Stewardship Council
* American Tree Farm Systems
* Sustainable Forestry Initiative
* Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes

Look for certification before your next purchase. Encourage others to do so.

Posted by Peter Spencer at 03:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

It's easy to calculate the benefits of increasing energy efficiency. To calculate simple payback, take the total cost and divide by the annual savings. For example, if an appliance costs $500 and will reduce energy costs $100 per year, then the simple payback is 500/100 or 5 years. Simple payback is the easiest and most commonly performed method. If the simple payback is quick, make the purchase. If the simply payback leaves you wondering, then there is more to consider.

Other considerations include the rising utility costs (2-5%/yr), inflation, interest you could earn if money was left in the bank, loan costs, and increased or decreased maintenance costs. A new project may reduce or increase regular maintenance costs.

Net present value (NPV) is a popular method for considering financial factors beyond the simple payback. It calculates a positive cash flow. This occurs when your annual benefits exceed the annual costs. NPV considers the life expectancy of the item, the cost of money, inflation and other possible factors. SImple payback may take many years, but if you a positive cash flow the purchase makes sense.

The most holistic approach is lifecycle analysis. Here we try to evaluate all costs and savings over the lifetime of the item. Everything from salvage value to disposal costs. This method gives the most accurate analysis. Many are trying to add environmental costs into this approach. Obviously this method requires research and some subjective decisions. Some factors are intangible. Included are things like greenhouse gas reduction, the security of having a brand new item, added comfort, increased home value, etc. A good example is double pane windows. They not only save energy, but also reduce outside noise which may be important, but hard to put a price on.

Confused??? Look at Select Cost Analysis Method or for great calculators visit Energy Cost Calculators.

Posted by Peter Spencer at 05:14 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)