Maria asks…
Is there a news letter to subscribe to that informs about solar credits, rebates, incentives ETC.?
Wondering if there is a news letter or subscription that keeps people abreast of current credits, incentives, rebates etc. for Solar and renewable energy products and installations nationally and/or State specific?
The Expert answers:
Http://www.dsireusa.org/
That’s all you’ll need. Enjoy
Nancy asks…
What are some of the things you do to lead a more sustainable lifestyle?
Many years ago, Kate and I developed a Stewardship Model for Tom’s of Maine in order to codify all of the natural, sustainable practices we were already following—such as only using natural ingredients and never testing on animals. The Stewardship Model sets out very specific standards for natural, sustainable, and responsible practices, and guides all of us every day in our decision making.
Kate and I also feel that a commitment to sustainability should be incorporated into all areas of the company—not just the product formulations. Let me share just two examples: our packaging designer, Jack, purchases only post-consumer-waste recycled and recyclable materials and soy-based inks; and my Director of Product Supply, Mark, had some great ideas about using renewable energy sources, so in 2006, we began purchasing wind energy credits to offset 100% of our factory’s electricity needs.
The Expert answers:
I recycle, grow many of my own vegetables (without pesticides and herbicides), maintain my home so that it is as energy efficient as possible, purchased a new high efficiency washer and dryer pair (uses less gas to dry because washer spins clothes better), keep my tires on my car properly inflated (increases gas mileage), flush my hot water heater regularly (improves efficiency and increases lifespan of heater), use a thermos instead of bottled water (wastes the plastic), buy recycled materials when possible, reuse bags from grocery store, buy soy ink printed materials whenever possible, buy soy ink checks, buy recycled checks, cook from scratch often (less packaging), get regular oil changes/air filter changes (improves mileage), pickup after my dog, don’t smoke tobacco, installed new energy saving windows in our home, and last, but not least…
I write my State Legislators, Member of Congress, Senators, Mayor, Governor, and even the President to ask that they support legislation that will encourage the expansion of alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. I also advocate for the use of gray-water systems and other “green” alternatives. Check out these websites:http://www.1000fom.org/
http://www.mngreenremodeling.com/
Paul asks…
What is your opinion on the presidential debate between Obama and McCain?
Obama wants to tax big oil companies, find safer ways to store nuclear waste and generate nuclear power, help auto manufactures create hybrid cars and give tax credits to those who purchase hybrids. John McCain will not tax big oil companies, believes nuclear energy is already safe and that we should build 45 more nuclear reactors in the U.S. He is willing to give $300 million to auto manufactures to create different types of hybrid cars, and will give tax credits toward renewable energy, and wants to sit down with other political leaders to set limits on carbon emissions by corporations. WHAT DO YOU THINK??
The Expert answers:
McCain because he is the best person for the job. He is experienced and will give a steady hand to the crisis which we are having right now.
We do not need a change right now.
If we allow Obama to apply his supposed changes, all it will be higher taxes, sharing a individual’s much earned wealth among others who did not really earn the wealth.
Obama wants to add more changes to the government which means bigger government. That is never a good thing because it equals to more bureaucay and control over people’s lives. Bigger government means more spending. Where will that more spending come from? Our raised taxes! There will be no taxes cut at all, just more taxes so the government can control us even more.
Our founding fathers got it right when they said to limit government powers (checks and balance), allow states’ right to decide for themselves, and not allow goverment to control the country,
McCain’s values and policy is more in line with our Founding Fathers.
McCain wants to downsize and deregulate the government because it is too big right now. This means tax cuts which means we get more money to spend thus the economy will be more stable.
Do not forget the FACT that the Democrats has been in control of the Congress for the last 4 years. Most of our problems can be blamed on the Democrats. President Bush tried to pass bills and measures in the Congress but they kept rejecting and vetoing it. Only now President Bush’s bills are getting passed because Democrats knew they made mistakes but won’t admit it and instead blame it on President Bush.
Please think for yourself and do not let Media spoon feed you. The most of the media are liberals which is why they are supporting Obama very strongly.
Take your time and read over different plans under Obama and McCain with expert’s opinions.
Doctors, lawyers, coporates, and business owners are all supporting McCain because they know that he is the best person for the job.
Even those professionals are scared of Obama getting into the White House because what Obama is asking could be the nail on the coffin that leads us to prolonged recession or to the second depression.
We do not need to change things up so quickly. We should wait out the recession then when economic starts to get going. We can consider changing things. Economic is functioning as expected.
Please consider my points and come to a decision that McCain is the best person to sit at the White House.
Do not look at age/personality instead look at experiences and actions
Mark asks…
Renewable energy. Why isn’t our government doing more to subsidize and encourage industry growth?
Set aside your biases about global warming for a second. America’s energy consumption is outgrowing it’s ability to produce said energy. Every summer, power grids around the country have experienced brown-outs and shutdowns to keep the energy grids running. This is only expected to increase as the population and dependence on coal based electricty increases.
The technology exists to lower fossil fuel consumption and augment it with renewable resources. Why not spend less money providing subsidies and tax breaks to oil and coal, and instead work to subsidize renewable energy into the market. For instance, invest in private companies to develop and sell solar technologies to businesses at a reduced rate. Or, give a tax credit to homeowners for investing in solar roofs or windmills on their property. Renewable energy may never replace traditional fuels, but there is a definite need to grow this industry and it seems like the government doesn’t care.
The Expert answers:
Well, the government is run by a lot of people with ties to the oil industry. They have to protect their own interests.
Also, the oil industry has a lot of money, so it can influence the views of people without ties to the oil industry, because they all have to worry about getting re-elected.
If the renewable energy industry grew a lot, what do you think would happen to the profits of the oil industry?
James asks…
Can anyone translate this legal jargon for me?
trying to understand the rules for renewable energy credits in Utah. thanks
Large Commercial & Industrial Customers
Customers with demand charges that generate excess generation will be given a choice between valuing excess generation at an avoided-cost-based rate or at an alternative rate by dividing Rocky Mountain Power’s Utah revenue per schedule by the schedule’s corresponding kilowatt-hour usage data from the previous year’s FERC Form No. 1.
– Credit Details
The Expert answers:
It means if you have excess generation, it can be priced at the normal rate that you would have payed, or the average rate from the past year. Your choice.
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