While no doubt the environmental and economic  impact of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will have devastating affects on the eco-system for some time to come, and any one’s guess is really only that a guess (in science they call it hypothesizing).  When devastating things like this happen we all tend to forget that 100% of  the goods we use, buy or sell are related to petroleum in some form or another.  It’s safe to say that every day nearly 99.9% of the world’s population–roughly 6.8 billion people uses or is in some way completely dependent upon the black gold “oil that is.”

Yet when things like oils spills occur we the consumer cry foul on the big oil corporation  and in being in some form of denial when we sit around the water cooler and talk about what a horrible thing the oil spill is, forgetting that we drove to work.  Here’s the  part about “the foolish dog that barks at he flying bird”– a dog, of course, can’t catch a flying bird.  Until we change the way we harvest our energy these types of environmental disasters will continue to happen and on a more frequent level due  simply to population growth and increase of demand of goods.  This  means we in America need a rapid and aggressive restructuring of our oil dependence.

It is projected that nearly $1 billion will be needed to clean up the areas affected in the Gulf and this so called “rainy day fund” or Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund’s reserve sits at just over $1.6 billion.  Under the law which established this fund the operators of off shore oil rigs face no more than $75 million in liability.  What this means is the oil company can not be sued for damages for any more than $75 million by any individual, company or agency of the government.  In the already crippled economy of Fl.  one silver ling is that many jobs will be created to clean up the oil spill; the down side is that they are only temporary.  The simple fact remains the America needs to cut it’s dependence from oil.  Many more long term jobs will be created to build and maintain renewable energy farms–perhaps even off shore.

The fourth annual Earth Hour–when people and businesses around the world shut off their lights to conserve energy–will occur from 8:30 to 9:30 pm local time on March 27.

According to Audubon magazine, “participation [in Earth Hour] has skyrocketed, from 2.2 million in 2007 to nearly a billion people, including more than 80 million Americans, last year.”

Meanwhile, can someone tell me why all night long office buildings in cities large and small are, as my grandfather used to say, “lit up like near-beer saloons”?

Programs in Oregon and California, and possibly elsewhere, offer easy ways to finance capital projects (wind, solar, etc.) through long-term loans that can be paid off through your electric bill, often at no additional charge.

According to the Greentech Innovations Report, one plan offers these advantages:
• The customer has zero first-cost and pays for projects using energy savings
• The customer’s electric bill is the same or lower

The key, however, is to start with the basics: updated insulation and wraps, window tints, LED lighting, high-efficiency water heaters.

And the basic truth is that these efforts pay for themselves. Savings on annual utility bills with the use of simple energy saving kits are huge and long term.  These kits are available at low cost  at such premier online eco super stores as JumpStartEarth.com .

Bad news for solar sales as the $4 per watt rebate has evaporated. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune (March 7, 2010) reports that “the state fund to subsidize solar energy for the last four years has dried up and nearly 8,000 solar rebate applications are on hold.” The mostly conservative Florida legislature  seems disinclined to renew the rebate incentives. What on earth do these Conservatives think they’re conserving? Is alternative energy supposed to represent some kind of Liberal plot?

Meanwhile, why doesn’t Florida embark on a massive project to switch to solar energy in public facilities–especially schools–thereby freeing up funds for where they’re needed most, including education? As for homeowners, this could be a make or break deal in the battle to end the addiction to foreign oil, an addiction that’s both costly and environmentally disastrous.

And where does this leave the all the small businesses that invested heavily in the solar revolution and created thousands of new jobs in the process? In the dark, it seems.

Solar paneled gear is great for the out doors or running around the city. Yes you can use the sun energy to charge your smart phone, gps, or camera. In fact all the cool people are using it, have you seen all the people who are walking around the Olympics with solar packs packs and messenger bags. I have a solar powered tackle bag that I bring with every time I go in to the back country and I never worry about my smart phone or camera losing power. These types of products make great gift ideas for the person who has everything letting them have the freedom to go any where, when ever and still stayed connected with the help of a mobile power station.

The recent closing of the Charlotte county Fl. public school system due to lack of power in the grid, is a perfect example of where alternative energy could save the day. By placing net metered solar or wind turbine systems at public schools to off set the power they consume this type of “brown out” could be avoided which in turn would lessen the burden on tax payers. Who pay the electric bill for the public school system. Start pushing your local governments to use more types of altarnative energy a great way to save money.

In Europe tank less hot water systems have been in use for some time.  Partly do to space restrictions and the fact that they are extremely efficient.  The way these systems are designed is quite simple like an old time still copper tubing is coiled around super charged heating element.  Only as the hot water in your home or business is being run does the system heat the water unlike conventional hot water tanks that have to heat large amounts of water leaving stagnant water sitting waiting to be used.  Of the tank less heaters  natural gas or propane are the most efficient  but slightly more expensive compared to an electric fed heater.  While these heaters are DYI to install  always to contact your licensed  local gas and electrical contractors before attempting this type of project.

As of November 25, 2009 a solar subsidies  proposal is being considered by the Venice, Florida city council and office of the mayor.  With the increasing need for America to become a clean, energy independent nation local governments will play an important role in the future of how communities can cut energy cost to benefit programs to ensure a balanced growth of a healthy, efficient society.

Source: Englewood Herrald-Tribune

Thanks to everyone who put on such a great and educational, professional Eco expo in Punta Gorda this week end What a great thing for south west Florida.

Home Energy Tax Credits: It Is Not Too Late
Thinking of upgrading your heating system or adding insulation to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient this winter? Well, it is not too late to qualify for a home energy tax incentive to help reduce the cost. Many energy-efficient home improvements are eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost, subject to a cap of $1,500. If you complete a project or installation by December 31, you can apply for a tax credit when you file your 2009 taxes.
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Source: New York Times