Transforming Energy

Energy is defined as “the ability to do work.”  In this sense, examples of work include moving something, lifting something, warming something, or lighting something. The following is an example of the transformation of different types of energy into heat and power: 

We use energy to light our cities and homes, to power machinery in factories, cook our food, play music, and operate televisions. In a home about 70% of the energy used goes to power the air conditioner & water heater.  

WHY IS ENERGY CONSERVATION IMPORTANT? 

Because of the limited amount of nonrenewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our current supply or to use renewable sources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations.  Our use of fossil fuels also contributes to air and water pollution.  Possible impacts include a threat to human health, environmental impacts such as rising sea levels that can damage coastal areas, and major changes in vegetation growth patterns that could cause some plant and animal species to become extinct. 

You can help solve these global problems. In the U.S., the average family’s energy use generates over 11,200 pounds of air pollutants each year. Therefore, every unit (or kilowatt) of electricity conserved reduces the environmental impact of energy use.  Monitor your family’s usage with products like the Power Cost Monitor [Left: available at SUSTAIN for $149.99].  It helps pinpoint which areas of your home are consuming the most energy.

Another energy alternative is utilizing solar panels.  The initial cost of solar power systems is significant but the renewable nature of PV technology, low system maintenance, and numerous tax incentives make solar panel systems an attractive investment for powering homes and businesses.

Did you know that even the President’s big White House used to have solar panels?  Check out this video from our friends at YERT

The Dirt Under Your Fingernails

Working in the yard sounds like a great way to spend a warm day.  What could be “greener”?  Well, before you pick up your weed-eater or turn on the mower this spring you should consider a few things. 

The EPA Report

A conventional lawn mower pollutes as much in an hour as 43 new cars each being driven 12,000 miles!

Over 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment – more than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska.

Lawnmower emissions were only recently regulated. Older engines release 25-30% of their oil and gas unburned into the air. Gas mowers also emit hydrocarbons, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The health toll from this includes cancer as well as damage to lungs, heart, and the immune system.

The Alternatives

Electric mowers don’t totally eliminate pollution, however emissions from the electric industry are regulated.  Also they save on gas spills and gas refinery and transportation.

Only reel mowers* have a ZERO carbon footprint. This is why we vote for them over all other types.  Our second vote goes to electric reel mowers that have an electric kick for those days when the lawn is longer or your time is shorter. [Pictured right is the Brill Razorcut 38 push reel Mower, available at Sustain stores for $249.] 

Well over 5 million gas powered mowers are still sold in the U.S. every year. The replacement of even 500 gas mowers with non-motorized mowers would make drastic improvements in air quality.  [Sparing the air of exactly: 212 pounds of hydrocarbons, 1.7 pounds of nitrogen  oxides (smog ingredients),  5.6 pounds of irritating particles, and 1,724 pounds of carbon dioxide = lots of nasty, toxic stuff!]

A Local Solution

Our friends at REELGREENMOWING, in Louisville, KY, believe that a “small step backwards in lawn maintenance could multiply into a model for the future sustainability and stewardship of creation”.  They are committed to caring for the earth by specializing in reel mowing*, debris sweeping, compost building, poop scooping, and foot aerating.  If you live in the area contact them for an estimate (502) 744-9901/ reelgreenmowing@gmail.com

If you don’t live in the area, consult a local green business guide or consider trading in that gas-guzzling polluter for something a little more earth friendly.  For more information on transitioning your lawn to reel mowing click here.

*Reel mowers are also  known to be superior at cutting grass because they shear rather than tear it as a rotary mower does, causing tip browning 

Holy Buckets!

Charlie has done it!  Not only has he made a soap that is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and hypo-allergenic, but just one tablespoon “cleans everything from false teeth to diesel engines” [Charlie’s dad] !

Charlie’s Soap website declares that it cleans with only natural ingredients and restores the natural softness to cotton, microfiber, and silk; leaving no need for a “fabric softener”.  Bright colors stay bright. Dark colors stay dark. Elastic stays elastic.

Honestly I like their story. I like the tiny canvas bag that can wash 80 loads of my grimy stuff. And I like that they don’t try and make it fancy, its just good soap they have been making since 1976.  Mark (our CEO) and his family swear by Charlie’s Laundry Liquid and a few drops of tea tree oil (natural anti-bacterial) for all of their laundry needs. 

If you haven’t tried it yet, its time to give Charlie a chance.