The Renewables

MIT report shows huge U.S. geothermal potential

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:43:18 -0700

Not only is the United States of America the land of opportunity, but also the land of untapped renewable energy resources. Hydropower has a long and storied history in America and it continues to adopt and invest in clean technologies such as solar, wind and most recently geothermal energy.

Geothermal power has several advantages not seen in other renewable energy sources. The most beneficial aspect is that once a geothermal plant is built and established, it has the capability to produce electricity almost constantly with low emissions and high efficiency. This makes geothermal a perfect compliment to solar or wind, which both have issues consistently generating power 24 hours a day. Unfortunately because of the high costs of drilling wells to look for potential sites, geothermal energy has been greatly underutilized.

A recent interdisciplinary report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that the United States has 100,000 megawatts (MW) of potential geothermal energy that can be recovered within the next 50 years. That’s between 10 and 15 percent of the country’s entire energy demand! While reaching that level of production will take significant investments, investors can be assured that once the plants are up and running, the payback will be as consistent as the energy produced.

Geothermal energy has been used by societies around the world for thousands of years to provide heat for homes, bathing and cooking. Now, the technology is available to produce electricity from a renewable and non-polluting energy resource that can deliver power when solar and wind aren’t productive. Thanks to MIT and other scientific studies and reports, we know exactly how much clean energy there is in the U.S., now we just need to encourage business and political leaders to harness it’s power instead of coal, oil and other dirty fossil fuels.

PlaNYC: rethinking the urban school playground

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:19:00 -0700

According to The Trust for Public Land (TPL), New York City’s public elementary schools serve 628,000 students. However, more than half of those children do not have access to safe, adequate playgrounds or other public spaces. The TPL is joining forces with the City of New York and Mayor Bloomberg’s ambitious PlaNYC 2030 program to rethink, redesign, and drastically improve these neglected public areas for young and old New Yorkers alike.

For starters, the TPL identified five needy schools in Brooklyn and Queens to co-design and co-construct these recreational areas while educating the students about local environmental issues. For the sixth graders at Stephen A. Halsey Junior High School 157 in Queens, the objective was to develop a new playground space that helped lighten the load of NYC’s overworked wastewater-treatment facilities. Stephen A. Halsey JHS 157, located in a neighborhood known as Rego Park, is equipped with an outdated sewage system that directs raw sewage into nearby Flushing Bay around 50 times a year!

Focusing on the pollution of the city’s waterways as the main catalyst, the TPL and the initial five selected schools will design and assemble recreational spaces that absorb and distribute New York’s rainwater. Spurred by an agreement recently reached by the city and state that provides funding for water-quality solutions, the new eco-playground will feature a gravel-lined turf field and a garden in addition to drinking fountains, benches, and ball courts. In the midst of cleaning up the polluted waterways, the sixth graders are simultaneously discovering how their urban environment in NYC is just a small – and not overly functional – cog in the global water cycle. With the help of the TPL, PlaNYC 2030 is off to a good start. This partnership not only addresses crucial issues but also goes a long way in educating the next generation of New Yorkers to be much more environmentally conscious.

Food Waste: 5 simple ways to throw away less

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:15:00 -0700

How often do you think about the perfectly good uneaten scraps of food that you throw away? In the United States, the amount of food that is wasted in almost unfathomable, 34 million tons in 2010 alone according to the Environmental Protection Agency! This enormous figure accounts for almost 14% of the total municipal solid waste stream and is the largest percentage of any single material category other than paper at 28.5%. The most unfortunate aspect of these colossal numbers is that less than three percent of total food waste is reclaimed or recycled.

Due to the fact that food waste is difficult to recover once discarded, the most effective ways to combat this issue start with purchasing habits such as sticking to a specific grocery list and resisting impulse buys and end with prep work and knowing the nuances of proper storage like when to move foods from the fridge to the freezer. Earth911 recently published an article on their website where they identified and detailed 5 easy ways for anyone to reduce the amount of food they throw in the garbage. (Click image)

Eight19: Pay-as-you-go solar in developing countries

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:15:00 -0700

The sun has been worshipped and revered by cultures and societies for thousands of years. Legend has it that the ancient Greek scientist and mathematician Archimedes harnessed its power to set enemy ships ablaze. Modern solar technologies have been viable for decades; in fact, President Carter had 32 solar panels installed on top of the White House in 1979. So why haven’t we fully embraced the awe-inspiring power of this colossal and abundant source of energy? Most people would answer, because of the cost. Though modern solar systems are well established, the price has yet to become competitive. However, a UK-based, Cambridge University spin-off called Eight19 – eight minutes and 19 seconds is the amount of time it takes for solar rays to reach earth – has developed and produced affordable solar lighting and battery charging systems that bring low cost, clean energy to rural regions and communities that are off the electric grid.

Several clean energy corporations such as Abengoa and Solar City are investing in large scale solar and wind projects across the world. While these efforts are definitely encouraging, in developing nations such as some countries in rural Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people are unequipped with the resources and infrastructure to connect to a power grid for their electrical needs. With this obstacle in mind, Eight19 developed a method of collecting solar power using an organic solar cell printed on a plastic sheet that produces up to 3 kilowatts (kW) of power. Using their Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) technology, the company has deployed systems in both Kenya and South Sudan with very positive results.

Eight19 is not only successfully combating the prohibitive cost associated with solar power, they are also addressing other social and environmental issues. Over one-fifth of the world’s population does not have access to electricity and many are forced to buy kerosene, a dirty fuel source, at high prices to satisfy their basic needs. By combining innovative solar and mobile phone technologies, Eight19 is providing clean electricity to rural areas. The company’s business model is the epitome of social enterprise; identifying a real-world need, developing an innovative solution, and executing it with the goal of improving the quality of life for users. Organizations and businesses like Eight19 are tackling difficult issues in socially and environmentally responsible ways, a trend that will hopefully continue to gain momentum and support around the world.

MLB Driving US Sports Green Initiatives

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:38:00 -0700

As one of the oldest established professional sports in the United States, baseball and Major League Baseball (MLB) have endured through some of the most pivotal times in our nation’s history. In 1947, before the Civil Rights Movement was even classified as such, Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers broke the color barrier, and later became the first league with women executives in the front office. Through these moments of great social progress and transformation, the game of baseball and its professional league have kept their ability to adapt and even spur positive change. Once again proving to be one of the most progressive leaders in all of professional sports, many MLB teams are finding new ways to minimize their impact on the earth.

In 2005, MLB joined forces with the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to develop some basic metrics to monitor consumption at games in an effort to lessen the unwanted environmental impacts. Since the partnership began, several ball clubs have shown their support of the effort. The Kansas City Royals installed solar panels on their team facilities, the Milwaukee Brewers were able to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for their home stadium, and the Seattle Mariners implemented an intensive recycling program, diverting several tons of waste from landfills each season. In addition, these sustainable building practices and accountability programs are helping rejuvenate some previously undesirable regions in states across the country. For example, in Washington, D.C., the responsible and environmentally conscious development and construction of the new baseball stadium for the Nationals has improved almost all aspects of the surrounding community; turning a industrial landscape of abandoned warehouses into an easily accessible and sustainable urban hub.

Speaking of needed improvement, according to Triple Pundit, MLB games produce an average of 836 million discarded beverage containers each season. On a positive note, nearly half of the 30 MLB franchises have partnered with The Green Sports Alliance (GSA), a non-profit group of major sports teams pledging to, “help sports teams, venues, and leagues enhance their environmental performance.” Along with the work being done on behalf of the GSA to improve sustainable practices, the NRDC has developed the Greening Advisor, an online environmental resource guide customized for each team in the league. Let’s hope these initiatives are just the beginning.

Over the years, MLB has proven that they have the collective will to tackle important issues head on. Now that the MLB has teamed up with the National Resource Defense Council, there is no doubt that they have a positive impact on environmental challenges. Let’s hope other sports leagues across the globe follow Major League Baseball’s shining example.

2011 in Review

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:19:00 -0700

Tsumani’s, earthquakes, nuclear disasters, China’s energy use, a lot happened this year to our planet. Let’s look back at the top energy stories of 2011. [click image]

The Environmental Magic of Meatless Monday

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:44:00 -0700

Transforming the U.S. into a global leader in sustainability won’t be a quick process. For any transformation to take place, business and government sectors need to be highly active, but support and actions from the public is where the change truly begins to take shape. While at the outset altering habits and behaviors can seem like a tall task, there are a number of easy, cost-free actions that anyone can engage in to help kick start the process. One of these actions has started to gain some support. It’s a movement called Meatless Monday.

Meatless Monday is a non-profit, grassroots initiative with the ultimate goal of reducing participants’ meat consumption by 15%. The campaign’s website provides a little bit of context, “Presidents Wilson, Truman, and Roosevelt galvanized the nation with voluntary meatless days during both world wars. Our intention is to revitalize this American tradition.” There are numerous health benefits associated with eating less meat such as reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease and combating obesity. Along with these, there are quite a few sustainability benefits to be gained as well. The meat production industry has one of the biggest environmental footprints of any industry.

The largest animal farms that provide meat to Americans contain up to hundreds of thousands of cows, pigs, or chickens. These animals require massive amounts of food – mostly corn and grains - space, and humongous amounts of water and energy. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that almost one-fifth of manmade greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to the meat industry. Choosing to not eat meat just one day a week will not only increase your health, but it will decrease your carbon footprint. The United States has been one of the largest global consumers of meat for years. In fact, the average American eats close to 200 pounds per year! Small, conscious decisions like this are a great way to start environmentally aware. With consistent and popular support, it is exciting to think about the difference grassroots movements like Meatless Monday could make.

Research Links:

http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index.html

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/why-meatless/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/17/us/17meatless.html

http://www.usda.gov/factbook/chapter2.pdf

Making Your House More Energy Efficient

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:57:00 -0700

The average time people would stay in their homes used to be 3-5 years, but with the housing market and economy a new trend has emerged. With declining house values and stringent financing homeowners are making the decision to change how they live rather than change where they live. Instead of moving, they are staying put and turning their existing home into their dream home.

If you are going to go through the remodeling process why not add features that will pay you back? For instance change out your existing shower heads with high-efficiency shower heads and you will save $300 per year for $180 initial investment. Check out this awesome infographic done by One Block Off the Grid for other great money saving tips.

Renewable Lessons for the Digital Age

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:30:00 -0700

The modern digital landscape in which we live has shown us that new methods of reaching our young people are needed. We are now in an age where kids master the ins and outs of their parent’s smart phone before perfecting their penmanship. Having the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing electronic status quo is an absolute must when it comes to education, and in particular, lessons of sustainability.

IBM’s TryScience initiative is trying to lead the way with innovative new ways to educate the youth about the importance of sustainability. PowerUp, is a computer game that was developed as part of the programs mission. Players take on the responsibility of saving Helios, an imaginary planet and the Greek word for Sun, from environmental and ecological destruction. The players complete missions that supply clean, renewable energy to combat Helios’ climate change catastrophe. The goal of PowerUp, and other games like it, is to spread awareness about renewable energy and to increase the social acceptance of sustainability. The game’s creators are hoping that players will be positively impacted by their in-game experiences and use the learned concepts and ideas at home.

Educational games like PowerUp are gaining popularity. Hopefully they will help increase awareness of the topics and lessons they are trying to impart as well. Using more modern and technological vehicles to reach a younger audience is a strategy with incredible potential and could prove to be extremely effective.

Research Links:

http://www.edutopia.org/environment-sustainability-video-games

http://www.powerupthegame.org/teachers.html

"One wind turbine can produce enough electricity to power up to 300 homes."

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:13:00 -0700

“One wind turbine can produce enough electricity to power up to 300 homes.”

- http://sed-net.com/faqs

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:12:00 -0700

Sustainable Lessons Start with Sustainable Classrooms

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:23:00 -0700

Educating America’s youth about the importance of sustainable living is something we care about deeply. However, it’s a bit contradictory to teach students about conserving resources and minimizing waste when the academic campuses in which they learn are huge consumers of energy with large carbon footprints.

This issue, along with the use of over 200,000 common trailers as portable classrooms in the U.S., has led the San Francisco-based research company MKThink to develop a solution. Enter Project FROG Inc. According to AIArchitect, Project FROG focuses exclusively on designing, building, and deploying high-performance modular classrooms. The portable classrooms are built according to LEED standards and are an innovative and flat-out alternative improvement on those old, moldy trailers.

The folks at Project FROG thought of every detail when designing these sustainable and mobile learning vessels. Everything from maximizing natural light to help reduce electric use, to using eco-friendly and recycled materials, these modular classrooms create a synergistic learning environment for all levels of education.

Starting up in 2007, Project FROG has already experienced success with their eco-classrooms. They’ve partnered with the Watkinson School in Connecticut, as well as The Carroll School in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Both institutions have had stellar results. When discussing the benefits of his new green classrooms, John Bracker, Principal of the Watkinson School said they represent “the idea of a building as a teaching tool and not just a building.” Hopefully, these low-impact, modular buildings will continue to be utilized, and can continue to be viewed as a commitment to sustainable curriculum across American academia.

Research Links:

inhabitots.com

AIA.org

TreeHugger.com

From Carrington College comes this Renewable Energy infographic, detailing our dwindling resources...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:11:00 -0700

From Carrington College comes this Renewable Energy infographic, detailing our dwindling resources and the future of power. “In just one hour, the Sun provides enough power to meet the world’s energy needs for a year.”

Mobile Learning, Majorly Trending

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:06:00 -0700

As a very late Gen X-er (I missed the Millennials by two years) I consider myself an average user of technology. This knowledge was not learned in classrooms as it is today. My elementary class would walk to the computer lab shared by the entire school and we would complete a series of steps that would draw a square on our black and white monitor. We were amazed! A few “decades” later, I have a co-worker showing me a video on his iPhone of his 8 month-old playing the piano on his iPad. Learning continues to evolve as fast as technology; this article discusses the 10 major mobile trends to watch for.

“Teachers and administrators have been bringing technology into the classroom for decades now, but with the advent of cloud computing and the proliferation of smaller, more portable computers and Internet-capable devices, it’s now possible to bring the classroom into the technology instead.”

Please take a moment to read an article I found oh-so-helpful, covering location-based integration, online class management, the domination of ebooks, cloud computing in schools, online collaborative learning, the rise of the tablet, and social media for education. From OnlineCollege.org, 10 Major Mobile Learning Trends to Watch For.

-Gina B.

"The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun."

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:19:00 -0700

“The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.”

- Ralph Nadar, Loose Talk