Now that Christmas is over, did you have a real tree or an artificial one? And which is more environmentally friendly? What should you do in 2010? Read on.
Two Christmas tree associations try to push consumers in either direction, real or fake. The American Christmas Tree Association, which says buying a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree is less expensive over 10 years than buying real trees, suggests there is less of an environmental impact because dead trees don’t end up in landfills.
The National Christmas Tree Association, which represents real tree farmers, emphasizes the environmental sustainability of natural firs, and that for every tree cut down, three new ones are planted. Yet, an ACTA-sponsored study suggests that the carbon footprint of artificial trees is actually lower.
The 10-year "cradle to grave" ACTA analysis looked at every aspect of a natural tree’s life cycle, from seedling through commercial farming, cultivation and harvesting, transport to retail, transport to consumer homes, and finally transport and disposal. The study also examined the manufacturing of an artificial tree including resource harvesting, raw material transport, each stage of the manufacturing process, transport to retail, transport to consumer homes, and finally transport and disposal.
The study, conducted by international sustainability firm PE Americas, found the most significant environmental impact was fuel consumption in transporting real Christmas trees from farms and lots to peoples’ homes. It also said driving out to a tree farm to cut down a tree has the worst environmental impact because of the use of fuel.
The NCTA counters: "According to research, most fake trees are only used 6 to 9 years before they're disposed. Even if you would use one for 20 years or more, it will eventually be thrown away and end up in a landfill. And unlike Real Trees, which are biodegradable and recyclable, fake trees are always a burden to the environment."
Of course, real trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit oxygen. Somehow, the ACTA study missed that positive environmental impact. The NCTA says there are about 450 million natural trees in the United States. When produced or burned, the artificial trees release toxins that can cause health problems.
Another fact that might cause some discomfort: between 85%-90% of artificial trees are made in China, and have a measurable carbon impact to get to America.
Now, how do you recycle the Christmas tree, if you can’t mulch or compost it yourself? It’s best to leave it to a municipal or private trash service, which usually will take it to a recycling center, or take it to a recycling center yourself. However, if I were you, I’d check with that municipal or private service to make sure they are recycling and simply not dumping trees in a landfill.
The most-eco-friendly solution – which you can do next year, if you didn’t do it this Christmas -- is to get a tree with roots and replant outside. Make sure you buy a species that will work with the soil type and climate at your house. Or buy a living potted tree.
Yea, it’s way too soon to decided what you’ll do in 2010, but the consensus among environmentalists is that natural trees are clearly better.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A meaningful agreement in Copenhagen?
Did I call it or what? Look what happened in Copenhagen. Infighting, confusion, developing countries aligned against industrialize nations. Alas, a “meaningful agreement” was finally reached. While there was so much attention being paid to what was happening – and not – as the world’s top leaders arrived last week, the summit will be known more for what didn’t happen than for what did.
A meaningful agreement? With no commitment to a legal treaty, no firm target for limiting the rise in global temperatures, no target year for peaking emissions, and developing countries left out of the deal-making, all the hot air expended in Copenhagen did nothing but increase global warming by some unknown degree.
They did come up with target of limiting global warming to a maximum 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial times as a requirement to stave off the worst effects of climate change. There also was agreement by rich nations to jointly mobilize $100 billion a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries. However, environmentalists are not happy, neither are those from the developing nations in Africa and elsewhere. Over the next weeks and months in Copenhagen’s wake, we’ll see what real progress was made, and what it will mean for you, I and America.
In Washington as the Christmas recess approaches, the Senate is occupied with health care reform, leaving little time and energy to extend tax credits that expire at the end of the year, jeopardizing jobs in the biofuels and alternative energy sector. The House has already passed an annual tax extenders package, extending three dozen tax incentives for another year, but that's not enough.
That means tax credits for biofuels, research and development and hybrid trucks may expire in two weeks, creating investment uncertainty and possible job losses in those industries that rely heavily on the development tax credit for labor and equipment costs. So, stay tuned. We’ll see what happens after we pop the champagne on News Year’s Day.
Now that most of these United States are in the throes of winter, did you know that homes lose most of their heat energy through drafts arround windows? Poorly insulated roofs are problematic, too, but whose going to replace a roof in the dead of winter?
We can reduce our home heating costs by up to 30 percent through proper insulation and air sealing methods around drafty windows. Sealing out the cold around windows, doors, electric outlets, anywhere where there’s an opening that air gets in or out will save you money. Replacing windows is costly, though there are lots of tax credits and incentives available in many states. If replacing windows isn’t possible, there are ways to reduce those cold-air drafts.
First, test for leaks by holding a lit candle, a match or lighter near windows and doors. Once problem areas are identified, there are plenty of plastic window-covering products that will work to cover them. They can be found anywhere from Home Depot, Lowe’s, ACE, Kmart, even Target. You can find the material just about anywhere this time of year. Before you buy any pre-packaged kits, it‘s more cost-effective just to purchase a heavy-duty clear, plastic sheet, cut it to the size you need and tape it to the inside of your windows. This will cost about $20-$25, depending on the number and size of windows in your home. That’s clear, polyethylene sheeting and just plain old Duct Tape or clear packaging tape.
A tip: If using pre-packaged kits, the adhesive double-sided tape issued with them might not work properly on window and door molding if the outside temperature at 40 degrees or below. The tape just won’t stick, especially if the molding is metal or fiberglass. You can pre-heat the molding before you use the tape but that’s tedious and doesn’t work very well.
I'll provide simple energy- and money-saving suggestions each time I blog. Stay tuned, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
A meaningful agreement? With no commitment to a legal treaty, no firm target for limiting the rise in global temperatures, no target year for peaking emissions, and developing countries left out of the deal-making, all the hot air expended in Copenhagen did nothing but increase global warming by some unknown degree.
They did come up with target of limiting global warming to a maximum 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial times as a requirement to stave off the worst effects of climate change. There also was agreement by rich nations to jointly mobilize $100 billion a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries. However, environmentalists are not happy, neither are those from the developing nations in Africa and elsewhere. Over the next weeks and months in Copenhagen’s wake, we’ll see what real progress was made, and what it will mean for you, I and America.
In Washington as the Christmas recess approaches, the Senate is occupied with health care reform, leaving little time and energy to extend tax credits that expire at the end of the year, jeopardizing jobs in the biofuels and alternative energy sector. The House has already passed an annual tax extenders package, extending three dozen tax incentives for another year, but that's not enough.
That means tax credits for biofuels, research and development and hybrid trucks may expire in two weeks, creating investment uncertainty and possible job losses in those industries that rely heavily on the development tax credit for labor and equipment costs. So, stay tuned. We’ll see what happens after we pop the champagne on News Year’s Day.
Now that most of these United States are in the throes of winter, did you know that homes lose most of their heat energy through drafts arround windows? Poorly insulated roofs are problematic, too, but whose going to replace a roof in the dead of winter?
We can reduce our home heating costs by up to 30 percent through proper insulation and air sealing methods around drafty windows. Sealing out the cold around windows, doors, electric outlets, anywhere where there’s an opening that air gets in or out will save you money. Replacing windows is costly, though there are lots of tax credits and incentives available in many states. If replacing windows isn’t possible, there are ways to reduce those cold-air drafts.
First, test for leaks by holding a lit candle, a match or lighter near windows and doors. Once problem areas are identified, there are plenty of plastic window-covering products that will work to cover them. They can be found anywhere from Home Depot, Lowe’s, ACE, Kmart, even Target. You can find the material just about anywhere this time of year. Before you buy any pre-packaged kits, it‘s more cost-effective just to purchase a heavy-duty clear, plastic sheet, cut it to the size you need and tape it to the inside of your windows. This will cost about $20-$25, depending on the number and size of windows in your home. That’s clear, polyethylene sheeting and just plain old Duct Tape or clear packaging tape.
A tip: If using pre-packaged kits, the adhesive double-sided tape issued with them might not work properly on window and door molding if the outside temperature at 40 degrees or below. The tape just won’t stick, especially if the molding is metal or fiberglass. You can pre-heat the molding before you use the tape but that’s tedious and doesn’t work very well.
I'll provide simple energy- and money-saving suggestions each time I blog. Stay tuned, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Think globally, act locally!
Whether you agree or disagree that global warming is real and our planet is headed toward catastrophe, we all pay utility bills. Those bills are invariably going up, while that debate goes on endlessly.
One thing is for sure: When the sun sets on New Year's Eve, the decade of the 2000s will end as the warmest ever on global temperature charts.
What lies ahead? Likely the continued rise in temperatures, buildup of greenhouse gases, weather extremes, increasing drought and elevating seas. In addition, more costly utility bills for all of us, everywhere.
So what can ordinary people, like you and I do to keep utility costs down? Efficiency, conservation, smart use of technology, and knowing where and how to save money and energy.
That’s the purpose of this blog and eventual website, myBTU.com. My blog will encourage, suggest and implore people to think globally, act locally, urging all of us to consider the health of the entire planet and to take action in our own communities, homes and jobs. I will write this blog to inform, advocate and preach because I’ve seen firsthand as journalist and former non-profit executive with a fuel fund how all of us as consumers are left purposely in the dark about how and why energy costs escalate and how we are manipulated.
I’ll talk more in the future posts about that. Now, I want detail what I’ll focus in this blog:
• I’ll support and discuss what new and working with green technology
• I’ll post and point to information that will hold the fossil-fuel industry accountable for its pollution
• I’ll point out individual steps and products you can use, buy, investigate and invest in to conserve energy at home and at work. This will include product reviews and suggestions.
• I’ll push the use of valid alternative and renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and nuclear power
• I’ll keep an eye on energy policy – worldwide, nationwide and state by state -- because without informed and enlightened governmental road map, we are doomed.
Much if what you are seeing in the media now around the Copenhagen Climate Summit is diffuse and contrictory. One reason is because it’s ongoing coverage, which reports nuances of the negotiations and protests.
It’s sport, really, watching the multiple diplomats, scientists, experts and politicans jockey and jaw about content of the penultimate agreements. It’s like reporting on a sporting contest, play by play, moment by moment, but really want counts is the outcome, who wins and loses.
A win in Copenhagen is a new global political and economic agreement aimed at creating the outlines of a new treaty that can succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
However, be skeptical of what comes out of Copenhagen. Global political and economic pressures are enormous, and for the sake of compromise, any agreement will be problematic.
But be clear about one thing: Global warming is real enough. Do you think the release of the University of East Anglia e-mails weeks before the summit wasn’t designed to discredit climate change science and its researchers? “Climate-gate,” which it’s been dubbed, is a diversion.
Read what one of the best worldwide newsgathering organization, the Associated Press, had to say about Climategate in its investigation of the e-mails. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRa5F7Lv_zO0ZKaHmbQENlyV3KdgD9CHUS980
E-mails stolen from climate scientists show they stonewalled skeptics and discussed hiding data — but the messages don't support claims that the science of global warming was faked, according to an exhaustive review by The Associated Press.
So, we are off and running. Let me know what you think of the blog. All suggestions, comments, product ideas are welcome.
One thing is for sure: When the sun sets on New Year's Eve, the decade of the 2000s will end as the warmest ever on global temperature charts.
What lies ahead? Likely the continued rise in temperatures, buildup of greenhouse gases, weather extremes, increasing drought and elevating seas. In addition, more costly utility bills for all of us, everywhere.
So what can ordinary people, like you and I do to keep utility costs down? Efficiency, conservation, smart use of technology, and knowing where and how to save money and energy.
That’s the purpose of this blog and eventual website, myBTU.com. My blog will encourage, suggest and implore people to think globally, act locally, urging all of us to consider the health of the entire planet and to take action in our own communities, homes and jobs. I will write this blog to inform, advocate and preach because I’ve seen firsthand as journalist and former non-profit executive with a fuel fund how all of us as consumers are left purposely in the dark about how and why energy costs escalate and how we are manipulated.
I’ll talk more in the future posts about that. Now, I want detail what I’ll focus in this blog:
• I’ll support and discuss what new and working with green technology
• I’ll post and point to information that will hold the fossil-fuel industry accountable for its pollution
• I’ll point out individual steps and products you can use, buy, investigate and invest in to conserve energy at home and at work. This will include product reviews and suggestions.
• I’ll push the use of valid alternative and renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and nuclear power
• I’ll keep an eye on energy policy – worldwide, nationwide and state by state -- because without informed and enlightened governmental road map, we are doomed.
Much if what you are seeing in the media now around the Copenhagen Climate Summit is diffuse and contrictory. One reason is because it’s ongoing coverage, which reports nuances of the negotiations and protests.
It’s sport, really, watching the multiple diplomats, scientists, experts and politicans jockey and jaw about content of the penultimate agreements. It’s like reporting on a sporting contest, play by play, moment by moment, but really want counts is the outcome, who wins and loses.
A win in Copenhagen is a new global political and economic agreement aimed at creating the outlines of a new treaty that can succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
However, be skeptical of what comes out of Copenhagen. Global political and economic pressures are enormous, and for the sake of compromise, any agreement will be problematic.
But be clear about one thing: Global warming is real enough. Do you think the release of the University of East Anglia e-mails weeks before the summit wasn’t designed to discredit climate change science and its researchers? “Climate-gate,” which it’s been dubbed, is a diversion.
Read what one of the best worldwide newsgathering organization, the Associated Press, had to say about Climategate in its investigation of the e-mails. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRa5F7Lv_zO0ZKaHmbQENlyV3KdgD9CHUS980
E-mails stolen from climate scientists show they stonewalled skeptics and discussed hiding data — but the messages don't support claims that the science of global warming was faked, according to an exhaustive review by The Associated Press.
So, we are off and running. Let me know what you think of the blog. All suggestions, comments, product ideas are welcome.
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