Climate change and the increase in natural disasters, and an unprepared infrastructure could not be better illustrated than in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While on location in New Orleans years before the tragic storm, Brad Pitt fell in love with the city, its character and its people.
Pitt more recently filmed “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons,” on location in the charming location and even owns a home in the French Quarter. With his long-time interest in architecture and in sustainability, Pitt has been leading the charge to rebuild safe, environmentally-focused housing in some of the hardest hit, poorest areas of the city.
To learn more, or to donate for the cause, visit: www.makeitrightnola.org
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Star Power
Climate change and the increase in natural disasters, and an unprepared infrastructure could not be better illustrated than in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While on location in New Orleans years before the tragic storm, Brad Pitt fell in love with the city, its character and its people.
Pitt more recently filmed “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons,” on location in the charming location and even owns a home in the French Quarter. With his long-time interest in architecture and in sustainability, Pitt has been leading the charge to rebuild safe, environmentally-focused housing in some of the hardest hit, poorest areas of the city.
To learn more, or to donate for the cause, visit: www.makeitrightnola.org
Pitt more recently filmed “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons,” on location in the charming location and even owns a home in the French Quarter. With his long-time interest in architecture and in sustainability, Pitt has been leading the charge to rebuild safe, environmentally-focused housing in some of the hardest hit, poorest areas of the city.
To learn more, or to donate for the cause, visit: www.makeitrightnola.org
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Magic 8 Ball
I wonder if Abe Bookman ever imagined back in 1946 when he invented the Magic Eight Ball™ that a genuine fortune teller could exist some 50 years into the future and would be available in most every home and on every desk in Corporate America. More than telling fortunes, the Internet serves as the trusted advisor where we anonymously ask advice, without fear or hesitation. And, aside from the monthly ISP bill, the counseling is free.
I use this vastly advanced and somewhat reliable “Magic Eight Ball” everyday. Asking questions like, “What investments are safe?”, and, “Where should put my life’s savings?” The modern “Magic Eight Ball” responds with the logic and sage advice only a mystic could conjure, but most of the answers are as dismal as my luck with the original toy.
“Outlook not so good,” and “Reply hazy, try again,” the familiar phrases; the same answers I read as a kid sitting on my bunk bed, long before Al Gore invented the new Magic Eight Ball.
Not all of the search terms entered, return such bleak results however. Cities and regions outpacing the abysmal performance experienced in much of the world, are focusing on clean-tech manufacturing and alternative energy.
While economists disagree on an official list of “recession proof” industries, one constant remains: the need for power. Whether we as a nation continue down the path of high consumption of non-renewable resources, with our heads firmly planted in the sand depends a bit on our willingness to remain true to our roots. Independence Day may come again, but not in the form of a war with the British or a Hollywood blockbuster. Clean renewable energy brings true independence.
I use this vastly advanced and somewhat reliable “Magic Eight Ball” everyday. Asking questions like, “What investments are safe?”, and, “Where should put my life’s savings?” The modern “Magic Eight Ball” responds with the logic and sage advice only a mystic could conjure, but most of the answers are as dismal as my luck with the original toy.
“Outlook not so good,” and “Reply hazy, try again,” the familiar phrases; the same answers I read as a kid sitting on my bunk bed, long before Al Gore invented the new Magic Eight Ball.
Not all of the search terms entered, return such bleak results however. Cities and regions outpacing the abysmal performance experienced in much of the world, are focusing on clean-tech manufacturing and alternative energy.
While economists disagree on an official list of “recession proof” industries, one constant remains: the need for power. Whether we as a nation continue down the path of high consumption of non-renewable resources, with our heads firmly planted in the sand depends a bit on our willingness to remain true to our roots. Independence Day may come again, but not in the form of a war with the British or a Hollywood blockbuster. Clean renewable energy brings true independence.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Job Growth Now
“Hundreds of thousands of jobs” can be created in the near future, from a Smart Grid deployment, according to GridWise Alliance, a consortium of private corporations and the US Department of Energy.
The resulting, high-paying jobs, would be driven by the potential $16 billion in incentives for Smart Grid deployment.
A short definition of the “Smart Grid” is actually considered a nickname for enhanced monitoring, automation and control of the distribution of electricity, specifically relating to alternative and renewable energy resources.
To learn more, visit: http://www.gridwise.org/kema.html
The resulting, high-paying jobs, would be driven by the potential $16 billion in incentives for Smart Grid deployment.
A short definition of the “Smart Grid” is actually considered a nickname for enhanced monitoring, automation and control of the distribution of electricity, specifically relating to alternative and renewable energy resources.
To learn more, visit: http://www.gridwise.org/kema.html
Job Growth Now
“Hundreds of thousands of jobs” can be created in the near future, from a Smart Grid deployment, according to GridWise Alliance, a consortium of private corporations and the US Department of Energy.
The resulting, high-paying jobs, would be driven by the potential $16 billion in incentives for Smart Grid deployment.
A short definition of the “Smart Grid” is actually considered a nickname for enhanced monitoring, automation and control of the distribution of electricity, specifically relating to alternative and renewable energy resources.
To learn more, visit: http://www.gridwise.org/kema.html
The resulting, high-paying jobs, would be driven by the potential $16 billion in incentives for Smart Grid deployment.
A short definition of the “Smart Grid” is actually considered a nickname for enhanced monitoring, automation and control of the distribution of electricity, specifically relating to alternative and renewable energy resources.
To learn more, visit: http://www.gridwise.org/kema.html
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Warning Labels
Actual warning labels:
In a public restroom
Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.
On a bottle of drain opener
Warning: do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.
On a hair dryer
Do not use while sleeping.
On a remote control
Not Dishwasher safe
On hair coloring
Do not use as an ice cream topping.
On window cleaner
Do not spray in eyes.
And, my personal favorite; on a Superman costume:
Warning: Wearing this garment does not enable you to fly.
We see warning labels on just about everything. Some are amusing and absurd like those above, others are disconcerting. But, what about the labels that don’t yet exist? These are perhaps the scariest warning labels.
The EPA is now considering regulating the use of formaldehyde in composite wood products. Pressed wood, fiberboard, plywood and particleboard will finally be addressed.
Most of us are literally surrounded by these products on a daily basis – they’re in our floors, cabinetry, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Formaldehyde is used in many products aside from building materials. It can be found in cosmetics, vinyl, adhesives, disinfectants and even certain fabrics. The strong-smelling, colorless, pungent gas was classified by the EPA in 1987 as a “probable human carcinogen.” And yet, more than 20 years later – it is ever present in our homes. Keeping your home well ventilated helps clear the air of the chemical. Avoiding products manufactured with the chemical may be the best course of action.
Purchasing items made from renewable and organic materials, such as bamboo can both help the environment in our homes and the environment we all share.
Check the Environmentally Friendly Furniture Certification for more information: http://www.efurniture.org/environmentalproducts.html.
In a public restroom
Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.
On a bottle of drain opener
Warning: do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.
On a hair dryer
Do not use while sleeping.
On a remote control
Not Dishwasher safe
On hair coloring
Do not use as an ice cream topping.
On window cleaner
Do not spray in eyes.
And, my personal favorite; on a Superman costume:
Warning: Wearing this garment does not enable you to fly.
We see warning labels on just about everything. Some are amusing and absurd like those above, others are disconcerting. But, what about the labels that don’t yet exist? These are perhaps the scariest warning labels.
The EPA is now considering regulating the use of formaldehyde in composite wood products. Pressed wood, fiberboard, plywood and particleboard will finally be addressed.
Most of us are literally surrounded by these products on a daily basis – they’re in our floors, cabinetry, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Formaldehyde is used in many products aside from building materials. It can be found in cosmetics, vinyl, adhesives, disinfectants and even certain fabrics. The strong-smelling, colorless, pungent gas was classified by the EPA in 1987 as a “probable human carcinogen.” And yet, more than 20 years later – it is ever present in our homes. Keeping your home well ventilated helps clear the air of the chemical. Avoiding products manufactured with the chemical may be the best course of action.
Purchasing items made from renewable and organic materials, such as bamboo can both help the environment in our homes and the environment we all share.
Check the Environmentally Friendly Furniture Certification for more information: http://www.efurniture.org/environmentalproducts.html.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Destiny Florida will be a Clean Tech Hub
Posts
