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Our Global Village
For thousands of years, the rays of the sun
were humanity’s only source of energy and
light. Fire was the most common source of
energy and light for centuries. However,
during the 19th century, the Industrial Age
introduced the modern era. Engines and
machines, powered by wood, coal and steam
created incredible achievements such as
the completion of the transcontinental
railroad.
In fact, the World in the second half of the
18th century was the most vibrant period
of human transformation in history
(Bernard DeVoto, The Year Of Decision,
1846).
According to David Rooney, "In the
Industrial Revolution, when life became
ruled by work, we lost control over our use
of time and energy. What we are seeing now
is maybe the beginnings of a reaction
against that. People seem to have reached
the point where they don't want to have
their time diced up into smaller and smaller
pieces, with great and greater accuracy.
They don't want to be obsessed with time,
or be a slave to the clock."
"Look at me, I am important, exciting and
energetic. With a mixture of pride and pity,
New Yorkers marvel at the slower pace of
life elsewhere in the United States. It's
like they are on vacation all the time,"
sniffs one female Manhattanite. "If they
tried to live like that in New York, they'd
be toast."
Slow is Beautiful~~~~~
(last two paragraphs borrowed from "In
Praise of Slowness," by Carl Honore 2004)
We are immersed in a similar period of
time, today. Think about it. Unlimited power
tapped effortlessly without harm to the
environment. Modern capitalism will not
waste more than it consumes.
Solar energy and benign technologies are
emerging as a direct challenger to nuclear
power and traditional sources of energy.
Harnessing renewable energy is an equally
complex, but simpler and safer source of
energy.
Yes, Oil is king, but with supplies tight,
political instability abroad, and production
expected to peak during the next few
decades, our future and our high standard
of living depends on more reliable sources
of energy.
When people have access to electricity,
magic happens overnight! A reliable and
abundant source of energy radiates
development in a community "at the speed
of light."
People get comfortable very quickly,
forgetful of manual labor, neglectful of old-
fashioned chores, but certainly addicted to
fast food, cars and cell phone music players.
People can't get no satisfaction unless they
"command and conquer" with the help of
machines, electronics or toys. Effort is
redefined.
Harnessing renewable energy is affecting
our world on a global scale. No other natural
or artificial human transformation in
history will match this revolution.
Today, we can all celebrate a society
concerned about our natural resources and
enjoy an unlimited supply of renewable
energy. Balance will be achieved.
The use of renewable energy – a community
resource – can contribute to the
preservation of local cultures, promote new
lifestyles and create better concepts
about wealth, prosperity and good health.
These majestic attributes will nourish and
guide us into the 21st century.
Power improves the Quality of our Lives.
For thousands of years, the rays of the sun
were humanity’s only source of energy and
light. Fire was the most common source of
energy and light for centuries. However,
during the 19th century, the Industrial Age
introduced the modern era. Engines and
machines, powered by wood, coal and steam
created incredible achievements such as
the completion of the transcontinental
railroad.
In fact, the World in the second half of the
18th century was the most vibrant period
of human transformation in history
(Bernard DeVoto, The Year Of Decision,
1846).
According to David Rooney, "In the
Industrial Revolution, when life became
ruled by work, we lost control over our use
of time and energy. What we are seeing now
is maybe the beginnings of a reaction
against that. People seem to have reached
the point where they don't want to have
their time diced up into smaller and smaller
pieces, with great and greater accuracy.
They don't want to be obsessed with time,
or be a slave to the clock."
"Look at me, I am important, exciting and
energetic. With a mixture of pride and pity,
New Yorkers marvel at the slower pace of
life elsewhere in the United States. It's
like they are on vacation all the time,"
sniffs one female Manhattanite. "If they
tried to live like that in New York, they'd
be toast."
Slow is Beautiful~~~~~
(last two paragraphs borrowed from "In
Praise of Slowness," by Carl Honore 2004)
We are immersed in a similar period of
time, today. Think about it. Unlimited power
tapped effortlessly without harm to the
environment. Modern capitalism will not
waste more than it consumes.
Solar energy and benign technologies are
emerging as a direct challenger to nuclear
power and traditional sources of energy.
Harnessing renewable energy is an equally
complex, but simpler and safer source of
energy.
Yes, Oil is king, but with supplies tight,
political instability abroad, and production
expected to peak during the next few
decades, our future and our high standard
of living depends on more reliable sources
of energy.
When people have access to electricity,
magic happens overnight! A reliable and
abundant source of energy radiates
development in a community "at the speed
of light."
People get comfortable very quickly,
forgetful of manual labor, neglectful of old-
fashioned chores, but certainly addicted to
fast food, cars and cell phone music players.
People can't get no satisfaction unless they
"command and conquer" with the help of
machines, electronics or toys. Effort is
redefined.
Harnessing renewable energy is affecting
our world on a global scale. No other natural
or artificial human transformation in
history will match this revolution.
Today, we can all celebrate a society
concerned about our natural resources and
enjoy an unlimited supply of renewable
energy. Balance will be achieved.
The use of renewable energy – a community
resource – can contribute to the
preservation of local cultures, promote new
lifestyles and create better concepts
about wealth, prosperity and good health.
These majestic attributes will nourish and
guide us into the 21st century.
Power improves the Quality of our Lives.
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| Basic Lesson 301: Review Utility Bills (Time for completion - 1 day of serious effort) To begin, review your energy bill for the entire year and average your monthly costs. Yes, your mission is to reduce or completely eliminate your utility bill, but plan accordingly.
If you are using gas, compare the percentage of that cost to electricity on the utility bill. While you are at it, review your water consumption also. Shut down all appliances until the utility meter stops running. You will be amazed how difficult it is to stop that meter! Notice which appliances are power hogs. Take note that some appliances continue to consume electricity even after you shut them off. Fill up the dishwasher from now on. Operate the clothes washer and dryer at full capacity. Less frequency! The biggest rule is to consider other ways to conserve energy by simply changing your energy consumption (habits) before buying anything. Plant shade trees around the house to cool the area. Open a window to allow the breeze to flow through the house. Plan a garden. A cactus garden conserves water. Even a rock garden is better than weeds. If you select plants that blossom scented flowers, nice! Use building-insulation materials that reduce energy consumption. Replace faucets, toilets and shower head with energy-efficient models. Buy appliances that are rated as energy-efficient such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers. Take all of these steps before investing in electrical generating systems because it will result in fewer solar panels! Buying solar panels is the last step. Now, you are ready to review all the links. As a general rule, which includes foundation and installation costs, thermal energy (hot water heating) is cheaper than wind energy, and wind energy is cheaper than solar energy as long as certain conditions exist at your site. There are sites that will permit a solar-powered water pump for a well or cistern. Check! Extremely economical solution. As a general guideline, select solutions that recover your investment in 3 - 7 years. When purchasing renewable energy products, take it one step at a time. Remain connected to the grid before purchasing rechargeable batteries to function as part of a system or as a backup system. To the best of our knowledge, all energy rebates and property tax improvements are dependent upon being connected to the grid. Double- check with your local utility company and local government planning division to confirm. Go to http://www. dsireusa.org/ There are four basic types of power generating systems based on renewable energy:
Learn how to manage energy consumption (habits) before purchasing an off-the-grid power plant. |
Renewable Energy Topics:
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