Over the past 5 years: I downsized to live in a 320 square foot yurt off-grid. I limited by electrical "things" to my laptop, cell phone, internet modem, 3 (LED) lights, and occasionally the blender. I have no trouble powering everything with four solar panels and a battery bank. I live in Alaska, in a location where the sun does not get above a mountain range for 7 … [Read more...]
How I Cut Down on Gas Emissions
I transitioned from a new (2000) Ford F150 2W/4W truck 14 mi/gal after 14 years to a 2013 Ford Edge SUV 25+mi/gal (1-yr old) in June of 2014. I cut my gas usage almost in half! … [Read more...]
Solar panels and electric car!
After training to be PV installer, we installed sufficient solar panels to run our home and electric car (Ford Focus Electric) so we are NetZero except for distance travel. Economically and ecologically it pays! Margaret and I are excited! … [Read more...]
Largest community-supported solar system in West Virginia
In West Virginia the true costs of cheap energy are impossible to ignore. This year thousands suffered through the loss of their drinking water due to a coal chemical spill. Communities in the coalfields are being exposed to carcinogenic mine dust. And hundreds of mountains and streams have been devastated. We see this as an environmental and public health emergency. Yet the … [Read more...]
Energy saving volunteers in North Carolina work at nexus of climate and poverty
A group of around ten climate concerned volunteers from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and the Hayesville community are answering a combined moral calling to help the poor and be good stewards of Creation. Working with local poverty and charity organizations, they have helped 40 disadvantaged families reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. After a … [Read more...]