Timeline
(almost) Maintenance Free Rain Tanks
(The following article was written by Albert Barlow, of Rain Water Harvesting, and appears on his website. San Diego Loves Green published Jan 25, 2013) Maintenance of large rain water harvest systems is a big concern to homeowners. It doesn’t need to be. The first step in a maintenance free rain water harvest systems is a More Info »..Read More
The World: Biofuels
1% ROYAL DUTCH FLIGHTS TO BE ON BIOFUEL BY 2015 Royal Dutch Airlines to have one percent of its flights operate on biofuels by 2015. Flight 642, from New York’s JFK Airport to Amsterdam Airport, now uses biofuels every Thursday (Environmental News Network 3/12/2013) ISRAELI BIOFUEL COMPANY CLAIMS MODIFIED EUCALYPTUS TREES CAN DISPLACE FOSSIL FUEL More Info »..Read More
The World: Fracking
COMMUNITIES NEAR UK FRACKING SITES TO GET COMPENSATION Government offical says communities near shale gas fracking sites should be given handouts to accept drilling in their area.”There is a certain inconvenience that the local population bears in hosting development of this industry … We consider that there should be financial benefits..Read More
Is the Paleo Diet Friendly?
One of the things that most fascinates me about popular diets is that there are a lot of them, and it’s not too hard to find disciples of each. Many of us are eating like a caveman, with a focus on foods that can be hunted (fish and meats), or gathered (fruits and vegetables, roots More Info »..Read More
The World: Water
CHINA’S WATER SHORTAGES MAY RESULT IN FOOD SHORTAGES BY 2030 China’s rapid move towards urbanization, coupled with climate change and middle class lifestyles will all tax heavily on the nation’s dwindling water supplies. This will lead to food shortages. China may need to import cereal crops and corn (Fortune 12/14/2012)..Read More
Green Apps that could change your Life
Social conscious apps are on the rise to revolutionize the way we travel, do business, enjoy leisure time and roll in general. Hundreds of apps inform, entertain and make life more convenient for smart phone users all over the world, but it takes a green app to make a global difference. With the press of More Info »..Read More
1 to 1: A sign of Sustainability
Let’s talk face to face or one to one, about communities that thrive when smart ideas are put into place to improve sustainability efforts on a myriad of levels. I spoke with Jonathan Zaidman recently regarding efforts to save waste in businesses, save waste from landfills, informing businesses for events and educating the youth “from More Info »..Read More
The Wild Zone: Coyotes: the Media’s Modern Bogeyman
At this very moment scientists are growing algae for biofuel, making contact lenses that change color to alert diabetics of low blood sugar, and doctors are fighting cancer using sound instead of radiation. When such amazing advances are becoming the norm, why is it we are continuously befuddled and alarmed by something that has lived More Info »..Read More
The Olive Agenda: A Christian perspective of our Path to Economic Opportunity and Environmental Sustainability
(This article originally appeared in the August 14, 2012, edition of Sojourners; Image credit: angelsimon / 123RF Stock Photo) An examination of current public debate reveals a divide between the “brown agenda” of economic opportunity and the “green agenda” of environmental sustainability. On the one hand, a “brown agenda” concerns economic opportunity, or in other words, the alleviation of More Info »..Read More
Coal Briefs
MURRAY ENERGY REACTS TO OBAMA VICTORY Murray Energy laid off more than 160 coal miners, claiming that the industry may be totally destroyed by 2030, as a consequence of President Obama’s re-election. Some of Murray’s workers who were filmed at a Mit Romney rally, complained that they were forced to attend and not paid for More Info »..Read More
The Wild Zone: Peeking into the Wild Zone through the photography of Renee Owens
Our first Gallery exhibit features the photography of Renee Owens, a San Diego biologist whose whose research on the the green anaconda and Orinoco crocodile has been featured by National Geographic TV and magazine, Discovery Channel, BBC, and Dateline NBC. One of Ms Owens photographs is featured in Time’s Greatest Images of the 20th Century. More Info »..Read More
GreenSource Corporation Acquires Controlling Interest of GS Enviroservices, Inc
Sustainable Development Company to Form GreenSolutions Group, a Division to Manage a Portfolio of Green Technology Projects, Appoints new CEO SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwire – Dec 11, 2012) – GreenSource Corporation of San Diego, CA, a company dedicated to the advancement of sustainable development, announces that it has acquired a controlling interest in GS Enviroservices, Inc. More Info »..Read More
Waste Briefs
SWEDEN CONVERTS ITS TRASH INTO ENERGY Only 4% of Sweden’s trash ends up in landfills. The rest is converted to energy, enough to 250,000 homes. Sweden now imports 800,000 tons of trash a year. Norway is paying to have its trash imported and Sweden is looking at Bulgaria, Romania and Italy as potential customer. (NPR More Info »..Read More
The problem with San Onofre
When someone like Patrick Moore, who was one of Greenpeace’s founders, comes out in support of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), I take notice. Moore recently wrote that, “ … I have had the opportunity to visit several nuclear energy facilities across America and common to all of them is their unwavering commitment to safety. It More Info »..Read More
Trim Your Hoilidays
Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holiday time, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, than any other time of the year. This amounts to 25 million tons of extra garbage. So in order to inspire San Diego to do its part in reducing waste, San Diego Loves Green has put together this guide to More Info »..Read More
Nika: A Gift of Clean Water
This started out as a “green tip” advising people against purchasing bottled water. Then, in the midst of gleaning items from the web, I came across Nika’s website. Nika is a Zulu word meaning “to give” and also the name of a La Jolla based bottled water company that is probably more ministry than business. “We More Info »..Read More
The World: Coal
COAL MAY BECOME THE WORLD’S PRINCIPAL ENERGY SOURCE Coal may replace oil, as the world’s premiere energy source, during the next decade. The International Energy Agency warns that this could result in a 6 degree rise in Global temperatures and disastrous environmental consequences. The US is the only nation where coal usage is declining. It More Info »..Read More
Surprises in the Race to Develop a Viable Green Crude
As the impetus of extreme weather events and scientific warnings gain momentum, it is becoming increasingly clearer that much that we once thought to be normal cannot last. We can ignore the challenges confronting us – and risk having to pay a much steeper fine in the not too distant future – or look for the opportunities. The quest for a viable More Info »..Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: President Obama must show some climate leadership
(This article was written by David Suzuki, with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Communications Manager Ian Hanington. It originally appeared in the November 22, 2012 edition of Science Matters, a publication of the David Suzuki Foundation.) The race to become leader of the world’s most powerful democracy often seemed disconnected from reality. During debates, the two main More Info »..Read More
GMOs: Labelling Failed, What is next?
Millions across the state let out a collective sigh at the news of Proposition 37’s defeat on the morning after elections. California’s Proposition 37 catapulted the nation’s attention on the growing food movement that has been spreading throughout the world. Prop 37 would have mandated labels on all processed foods and raw produce in California More Info »..Read More
A Global interpretation of the Christmas Narrative
(This article originally appeared in the December 6, 2012, edition of Sojourners) One of the most fresh and challenging interpretations surrounding the Christmas narrative was produced by South Africa’s renowned theologian, the late Steve de Gruchy. In regards to the Magi and their visit with Joseph, Mary, and the newly born Jesus in Matthew 2: 1-12, More Info »..Read More
One Tree at a Time: the Lorax
The Lorax attempts to save the planet—one tree at a time When Dr. Seuss wrote, “I am the Lorax. I speak for trees,” how could he know his concern for nature in the 1970s would turn up decades later as a poster for the environment? In a way that’s iconic, this makes Theodore Seuss Geisel More Info »..Read More
When will EV’s become a Serious Alternative?
An increasing number of Americans now regard Electric Vehicles as their vehicle of choice. Though the total volume of EV sales is still limited, it tripled in 2012 and is expected to be 400,000 vehicles a year by 2020. That was before General Motors threw down the gauntlet, by proclaiming its’ goal to be manufacturing 500,000 EV’s More Info »..Read More
The Gliadin Effect – what is Gliadin?
Many of us are aware of Celiac disease and gluten intolerance and sensitivities. Yet, a lesser-known protein in wheat has caused at least one author to label modern wheat as a “perfect, chronic poison.” In his book, Wheat Belly, Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist, argues that genetically-engineered wheat pushed by the industrial food system is More Info »..Read More
Biofuel Briefs
AVIATION BIOFUELS NOT GETTING OFF THE GROUND Despite numerous tests showing that biofuels are more efficient in flight than fossil fuels, both in terms of engine efficiency, and in reduction of carbon emissions, biofuels have made very few inroads into actual commercial usage. (Earth Techling 3/18/2013) E15 IS HERE The Environmental Protection Agency has increased More Info »..Read More
The World: Forests
AMAZON DEFORESTATION INCREASING AGAIN 606 square miles of the Amazon were cleared in the 9 mos between Aug 2012 and April 2013 (Treehugger 5/20/2013) DEFORESTATION AFFECTS MICROBIAL POPULATION A new study shows that the deforestation of the Amazon was accompanied by a loss of diversity among the microbial population. Scientists now worry that this may More Info »..Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: Sharpen Your Memory with a short Walk in Nature
(This interview was originally in the October 1, 2012, issue of “Docs Talk”, which is published by the David Suzuki Foundation; Image credit: Hopetoun Falls, near Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia. Taken with a Canon 10D and a 17-40 f/4L lens by Diliff, courtesy, Wikipedia Commons.) Currently a post-doctoral fellow at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute in More Info »..Read More
Greening the Military
From green ammo to less conventional fuel for jets, tanks and aircraft carriers, the Pentagon is investing in new technology to move towards alternative energy solutions to lessen dependency on foreign fossil fuels. In 2011, the Sierra Club released a report, “Blood and Oil,” declaring that the military machine has firm plans to become eco-friendly. More Info »..Read More
San Diego’s Permaculture Group: Exploring the relationship between man-made endeavors and Nature
“Permaculture is an ecological design system for sustainability in all aspects of human endeavor. It teaches us how to build natural homes, grow our own food, restore diminished landscapes and ecosystems, catch rainwater, build communities and much more.” – a Quote taken from the San Diego Permaculture website. We spoke with a representative of San More Info »..Read More
Flaxseed Hair Gel
According to Greek mythology, from December 25 to January 6, our world is visited by Goblin-like creatures from the underworld called Kallikantzaroi. Some Greeks would hang bunches of tangled flax from the doorways to protect themselves. The creatures would then be forced to stop, sort out and count the strands until sunrise, thereby allowing themselves More Info »..Read More
The World: Green Technology
WORLD INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY DROPPED BY 11% in 2012 The decrease was especially marked in the US, where the upsurge of natural gas is believed to have been partially responsible for a 30% drop in renewable investments. However the renewable market is broadening. More African and Asian nations are entering the market. Chinese investments More Info »..Read More
Eating Ethnic Food in San Diego
San Diego is a vibrant international city, especially if one ventures into the city’s neighborhoods a little off the beaten path. Ethnic foods allow us to take advantage of our cultural diversity and improve eating habits along the way. America’s obesity and chronic disease epidemic calls into question our devotion to addictive tastes pumped out More Info »..Read More
The World: Building
RECYCLED MATERIALS AS BUILDING BLOCKS Researchers have been experimenting with recycled straw, paper and wood to create bricks and modular blocks. A 2,045 square foot office space in Essen Germany, is made of newspaper bales. A Spanish manufacturer is using paper to make bricks and A Canadian firm is using straw inside their walls. (EarthTechling More Info »..Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: What’s the Fracking Problem with Natural Gas?
(This article was written by David Suzuki with contributions from with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Editorial and Communications Specialist Ian Hanington. It was originally published in the September 13, 2012 edition of Science Matters, an online publication of the David Suzuki Foundation; Schematic depiction of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas, showing main possible environmental effects – Mike Norton, More Info »..Read More
About Fracking
We are most likely going to hear a great deal more about Fracking. Aside from the fact California may soon have legislation as to how natural gas and oil companies can conduct their operations, there is currentlyan estimated 14 billion barrels of oil waiting in the Monterey Shale deposit (which stretches from Los Angeles to More Info »..Read More
San Diego Loves Green: The Dream Lives On
When I founded the original San Diego Loves Green website in 2008, I was a recent stay at home mom completely inexperienced in the concepts of green and sustainability. I had taken environmental science classes in 1993 but quite honestly, I buried my head in traditional business because frankly the research was too frightening and the More Info »..Read More
Animal Emotions
(This essay was first published in the December 28,2012, issue of Psychology Today. Image Credit: Chicklet Bouffant – Renee Owens photo) Every December I sit down and reflect on the past year and what’s coming up as we enter the New Year and it came to me that revisiting and updating a short essay I wrote with More Info »..Read More
Christmas Confrontation with a Homeless Jesus
(The article above was first printed on the Sojourner’s God’s Politics blog on Christmas Day, 2012, and can be found at: http://sojo.net/blogs/2012/12/25/christmas-confrontation-homeless-jesus; Image Credit: Ed Yourdon, courtesy Wikipedia Commons) When asked to identify common features of the historical Christmas storyline, many speak of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, angels, King Herod, and of course, the newborn Jesus. While this list of More Info »..Read More
Carol Gigliotti in Conversation with Marc Bekoff (part two)
(This article above was originally published in Issue 22 (Autumn 2012) of Antennae) Carol Gigliotti : Much of your pioneering research in what is still a long illustrious career has been about the role of play in understanding animal behavior. Would you be so kind as to summarize for us your most salient findings in this research and More Info »..Read More
Carol Gigliotti in Conversation with Marc Bekoff (part one)
(Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Issue 22 ( Autumn 2012) of Antennae; Image Credit: Julie O’Neill ( http://www.julieoneill.com), courtesy Marc Bekoff) Carol Gigliotti, writer, artist and scholar whose work focuses on the impact of new technologies on human relationships with animals and on the lives of animals themselves discusses ‘rewilding’ with former professor of Ecology More Info »..Read More
Forest Briefs
WILL CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT THE FORESTS’ ABILITY TO ABSORB CO2? Forests absorb 10% of US emissions, or about 750 million metric tons, every year. But as the climate warms up, buds are bursting earlier. It is not known what, if any, effect this will have on the forests ability to absorb carbon dioxide (New York More Info »..Read More
The Wild Zone: Rebirth of Green: Resolution for 2013
If you’re looking for worthwhile New Year’s resolution, I recommend wildlife ethologist Mark Bekoff’s and Jane Goodall’s millennial mantras, and I’d like to add one more. In case you hadn’t noticed, anti-environmentalists have been celebrating because the modern environmental movement is at odds with itself. Corporations are laughing all the way to the bank as More Info »..Read More
Driving on 100% Sunshine
Peder Norby’s interest in renewable energy goes back to his wind powered home in Denmark. Even then, Peder knew that someday he would drive an electric vehicle. In 2005, he and Julie built a 4,600 square house, overlooking the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad. Peder wanted a cheaper form of transportation, powered by sunshine. Julie was more concerned that it be dependable, comfortable and fun to drive. They installed 21 solar panels on the roof and a year later bought their first EV...Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: Reaction to Air Pollution linked to Genetics
(The Article above was printed in the December 4, 2012, issue of Docs Talk, a publication of the David Suzuki Foundation; Image Credit: Los Angeles smog by David Iliff, License CC-BY-SA 3.0) Chris Carlsten, MD MPH is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, where he holds the endowed Chair in Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease. He is More Info »..Read More
San Diego Auto Show
There is said to have been a record attendance at the San Diego International Auto Show, held December 27-30, 2012, in the Convention Center. There were more than four hundred 2013 models, including a sizeable number of hybrid and electric vehicles, “star cars” known from movies or tv and a number of “home made” electric vehicles More Info »..Read More
the World: EV’s
EVS CATCHING ON MUCH FASTER IN NORWAY Around 5.2% of all vehicle sales are EVS, as compared to 0.6% in the US. There are actually more Nissan Leafs sold in Norway than through-out America! This is because that country is set up for them. There are 3,500 charging stations in Oslo, where EV’s are also More Info »..Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: After 25 years, it’s time to stop spinning our wheels
(This article was written by David Suzuki and originally published in the January 3, 2013, edition of Science Matters, an online publication of the David Suzuki Society; Image Credit: Toronto skyline – Martin St-Amant, courtesy Wikipedia Commons) In 1988, hundreds of scientists and policy-makers met in Toronto for a major international conference on climate change. They were More Info »..Read More
Easy Lavender Bath Salts
Unlike many children, my early entrepreneurial efforts did not include lemonade stands. No, we earned our candy money by selling homemade jewelry and little books we had written, but our best sellers were the bath salts. My sister and I would take Epsom salts, some food coloring and whichever perfumes our mom would let us More Info »..Read More
Telsa Model S driving across North America
A Tesla Model S has driven more than half way across North America. Tina Thomas and Peter Soukup left Portland, Oregon, on December 25 and their last tweet, posted twenty hours ago, states “And into Alabama as the sun sets :).” They are expected to reach New York City by January 7th or 8th. They More Info »..Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: Lets Resolve to Make it a real Happy New Year
(This article was written by David Suzuki with contributions from with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Communications Manager Ian Hanington. It was originally published in the December 13, 2012, edition of Science Matters an online publication of the David Suzuki Foundation.; Image Credit: Haa Valley, Bhutan on September 6, 2006 – Douglas J. McLaughlin, Courtesy Wikipedia Commons) Wouldn’t More Info »..Read More
Cross Country EV Trekkers enter North Carolina.
According to recent tweets on their blog, Peter Soukup, Tina Thomas and Luba Roytburd slept in Athens, Georgia, last night. That’s point G on the map above. They have driven over 4,000 miles and should arrive in New York city on Sunday (or Monday, at the latest). Their trip shatters any misconceptions about taking road trips with More Info »..Read More
Slow Food Movement in our world and beyond
Do you know where your food comes from and should you be concerned? Is it so far-fetched an idea to seek out foods that benefit our overall health and stave off preventable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes? The Slow Food movement shows promise and hope through eating foods that are good for body, More Info »..Read More
Geothermal Briefs
SOME ADVANCE IN US GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Though Geothermal only produced 147.5 MW during 2012, government tax incentives could translate into $4 billion in investments during 2013. Many hope EGS – which has been called the Geothermal equivalent of “fracking” – will open up new possibilities. Similar to advocates from the Natural Gas sector, they maintain More Info »..Read More
Idle No More: An Indigenous protest movement highlights deep-rooted injustices
Editor’s note: The “Idle No More” originated among the First Nation’s people of Canada, but is spreading through-out the World. There have been gestures of support from Europe, Asia and many US cities (including San Diego). The following article, from Amnesty International, examines the origins of this movement. “It’s high time for Canada to scrap More Info »..Read More
San Diego
VOICE OF SAN DIEGO WATCHING MAYOR FILNER Two reporters, from the Voice of San Diego, have been tallying Mayor Filner’s promises to increase city planning efforts, fight homelessness and to make government more open and accessible by being available three Saturdays a month for one-on-one meetings with constituents. They compiled a list of 58 separate promises and intend to More Info »..Read More
Telsa Model S completes cross country trek
The Tesla Model S drove into New York City at 2:20 am, Eastern Time, this morning. That was when Peter Soukup tweeted, “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere and we made it! Electric Road Trip S successfully finished in NYC, final mileage 4887!” They came the long way: driving south More Info »..Read More
Five Ways To Help A Child Create Green Change At School
Children are famously open to change, to the possibility of new ideas and new ways to make those ideas happen. When it comes to green ideas, this is especially true. Kids are not well versed on all the reasons- political and emotional- why people believe that environmentally safe practices 'can't' happen...Read More
The World: Solar
NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT PROISES TO HELP SOLAR ENERGY At a time when Germany and Spain are taking great strides in Green technology, France has lost 44% of the people who had been working in the solar industry. The new French government hopes to increase production by 1GW per year and will add a 10% bonus More Info »..Read More
Enjoy your vegs and your nitrate
(Note: The article that follows was originally written in Dutch and published in issue #10 (Nov. 2009) of EOS magazine. You can download a copy here. The English translation that follows was on Dr Helga D’Havé’s website: http://www.helgadhave.be/2009/health-vegetarianism/is-nitrate-healthy/#more-78 Image Credit: One and a half russet potato with sprouts. Sliced (left) and whole (right). About 4 1/2 inches (11.5 cm) in length.- ZooFari, More Info »..Read More
Naval Briefs
NAVY SETING UP EV CHARGING STATIONS The US Navy is establishing a number of EV charging stations, one of which will be in San Diego. The charge will be $0.48 per kilowatt hour. (Amercia’s Navy 1/8/2013)..Read More
Natural Gas Briefs
SOME EUROPEAN BUSINESSMAN THREATENED BY US NATURAL GAS BOOM They do not possess the resources to compete and fear Europe will be left behind. The US is expected to overtake Russia 2015 and replace Saudi Arabia, as the World’s largest producer of natural gas, by 2017. (Environmental News Network 1/23/2013)..Read More
Mayor halts Medical Marijuana Prosecutions
(This article was written by Miriam Raftery originally published in the Jan 10, 2013, edition of East County Magazine; image credit: Cannabis sativa leaf Dorsal aspect – JonRichfield, Wikipedia Commons) January 10, 2013 (San Diego)– Mayor Bob Filner today announced that he has asked the Neighborhood Code Compliance Department and the Police Department to temporarily halt More Info »..Read More
Ocotillo Wind Project now Online
Editors note: San Diego Loves Green is not endorsing the press release that follows, but is reprinting this story because it contains information that is of public interest. SAN FRANCISCO, /PRNewswire/ — Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern) today announced that its Ocotillo Wind project in Southern California reached commercial operation in December and is transmitting energy to the More Info »..Read More
Global Day of Action, Solidarity and Resurgence
With drums, round dance and prayers supporters of the “Idle No More” movement met in Downtown San Diego, on January 1, in a demonstration of solidarity with the movement that has spread across North America and beyond. According to the San Diego Free Press about 75-100 people attended and, “It was a good, multicultural, cross section of More Info »..Read More
An ill wind blows through Ocotillo
(This article above originally reprinted in the September 2012 issue of the Desert Report and is being reprinted with the permission of both the author, Terry Weiner, and the Desert Report; desert photos – Terry Weiner ) Ocotillo California is an apron of desert fanning out broadly from the base of the rugged Jacumba and Inkopah Mountains, ninety miles east More Info »..Read More
Delicious Happenings: Slow Food Urban San Diego
Last week I introduced the international Slow Food movement, Slow Food, founded by Carlo Petrini. Since its founding in 1986, local chapters including Slow Food Urban San Diego have cropped up throughout the United States. So, what has our local chapter done to keep up on the latest slow food trends? Slow Food Urban San More Info »..Read More
David Suzuki Foundation: Outdoor fun is good for kids and the planet
(This article was written by David Suzuki, with contributions by Faisal Moola. It was originally printed in the July 22, 2010 edition of Science matters, an online publication of the David Suzuki Foundation; Image Credit: One of my favorite things to do at the farmers market is sit and watch the kids play in the fountain on More Info »..Read More
San Diego Loves Green Web Magazine Launches New Look
GS Enviroservices Acquires Controlling Interest in the Popular Green Community Web Portal SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwire – Jan 11, 2013) – GS Enviroservices, Inc. announces the redesign and re-launch of San Diego Loves Green (www.sandiegolovesgreen.com), an online resource for environmental news and sustainable development solutions. Recently acquired by GS Enviroservices, Inc. (OTCQB: GSEN), San Diego Loves More Info »..Read More
This year’s Earth Day in danger of being cancelled
Every year since 1990, around 60,000 people have gathered in Balboa Park to celebrate Earthfair. It is reputedly the largest free environmental fair in the World. There were more than 350 booths, a “Children’s’ Earth Parade”, three stages for entertainment, an alternative fuel car lot, “an eARTh Gallery” featuring works by local artists and much More Info »..Read More
President Obama signs act creating Pinnacles National Park
Sacramento- Environment California is proud to see that President Obama has signed the Act into law. With this act in place, Pinnacles National Park has become the nation’s 59th national park. “I commend President Obama for making Pinnacles our newest national park,” says Mac Farrell, preservation associate for Environment California. “Representatives Farr and Denham, and More Info »..Read More
Analysis of the World’s first 100% Biofuel powered Jet flight
Editor’s note: there have been a number of biofuel-powered airline flights in recent years, some of which involved California companies. In 2009, San Diego based Sapphire energy provided algae oil for a test flight over Houston. Two years later, Solazyme produced the algae biofuel used in a flight from Huston to Chicago. In both cases, More Info »..Read More
The World: Food
THE RISE IN GLOBAL TEMPERATURES EFFECTS CROP YIELD As a result of the extreme heat wave last summer, the US corn crop was smaller than it has been for two decades. As Global temperatures continue to rise, they will have a similar effect on a Global scale. Wheat and soy bean yields are expected to More Info »..Read More
California Solar Initiative installed +1,000 Mw
SAN FRANCISCO, January 10, 2013 – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today announced that the California Solar Initiative (CSI) has reached a milestone of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of installed power, enough to power 100,000 homes and businesses and avoid building two power plants. The CSI program has a budget of $2.4 billion over 10 More Info »..Read More
State Briefs
CALIFORNIA TO RAISE $200 THROUGH CARBON California hopes to raise $200 million through the sale of carbon allowances for budget year 2012- 2013, and $400 million next year. The allowances are currently trading for $15 a ton on secondary markets. Companies that emit more than 25,000 tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent a year (CO2e) will now More Info »..Read More
SDG&E Shares Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips With Customers
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As temperatures drop, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is reminding its customers about important safety tips to reduce the risk of CO poisoning. Symptoms of CO poisoning can include nausea, headaches, paralysis and even death. SDG&E wants its customers to remember the following tips to help prevent CO poisoning: Never use a More Info »..Read More
The Betrayal of Boulevard: Can This Happen to your Town, too?
(Editors Note: This article was originally published in the January 11, 2013, edition of East County Magazine. Photos of the site preparation and wind turbines in the articles that follow were taken at Ocotillo wind site, where turbines are similar in size to those proposed for the Boulevard area. Neither the author or interviewees from this More Info »..Read More
San Diego’s Residential Solar industry Booming
Much to the chagrin of California’s three public utilities companies, residential solar is booming. According to the Vote Solar Initiative, 1,400 megawatts (MW) of PV installations are now operating on the homes or businesses of 134,000 Californians. In a recent study, they conclude that, the benefits to ratepayers in SCE, PG&E, and SDG&E territories will be around More Info »..Read More
4 Ways Daycare Brings Out the Best in Dogs
4 Ways Daycare Brings Out the Best in Dogs (via PR Newswire) Don’t Leave Pets Home Alone; Daycare Can Contribute to Their Whole Health Download image SAN DIEGO, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Numerous studies have shown that Americans are working longer hours and according to the American Psychological Association, 39 percent of people work More Info »..Read More
Permaculture: Introduction to Permaculture Design
Upon first glance at the word, Permaculture looks and sounds like something invented by scientists and studied in universities by graduate students who are trying to dye a certain DNA strand pink. Nothing could be further from the truth. The term Permaculture simply comes from the hyphenation of Permanent-Culture or Permanent Agriculture. Permaculture can be More Info »..Read More
New Conservation Alliance to Enhance the Sustainability of Rare and Endangered Animal Populations
(New Orleans, La.) – Audubon Nature Institute and San Diego Zoo Global announce a partnership to replenish animal populations that face possible extinction. The Alliance for Sustainable Wildlife will devise strategies to ensure sustainable populations of unique and endangered zoo animals. Located in New Orleans, the Alliance will be a haven for more than two More Info »..Read More
Forming a power alternative for San Diegans
(This article was originally published in the January 14, 2013 edition of East County Magazine.) In Marin County, 80% of utility customers now buy power from a local energy cooperative supported by their local government. Now a similar effort is making strides toward giving SDG&E customers an alternative option to purchase power from a public utility More Info »..Read More
The World: Animals
CLIMATE CHANGE WILL DRIVE MANY EUROPEAN MAMMALS NORTHWARDS A swedish study predicts that Red and fallow deer, wild boar, the Eurasian badger, rabbits, mice and beaver will all seek refuge i=from rising temperatures in Northern Europe (Mother Jones 1/16/2013)..Read More
Wind Conference Breezes into San Diego
(This article was originally carried in the January 16, 2013, edition of East County Magazine) January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – Wind industry professionals and government leaders gathered at the Hilton in La Jolla-Torrey Pines for a four-day conference sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association January 14-17. On opening day, a Regional Wind Energy Summit-West More Info »..Read More
Should Shu’luuk Wind be built in East County?
(This article was originally published in the January 14, 2013 edition of East County Magazine.) January 14, 2013 (Campo) – The Campo Indian tribe has proposed to lease a portion of its reservation to Invenergy LLC for an industrial energy project, Shu-luuk Wind. The project would include 85 wind turbines, each approximately 500 feet tall, on tribal More Info »..Read More
The Federal Advisory Committee “Minces no Words”
Justin Gillis, of the New York Times Green Blog, titles his introduction to the recently released Federal Advisory Committee Draft Climate Assessment Report” as “An Alarm in the offing on Climate Change.” Personally, I find it reminiscent of a modern day Book of Revelation – only many of the predicted calamities are aimed directly at More Info »..Read More
Saic Experts to Speak at DistribuTECH 2013
SAIC Experts Present Practical Solutions To Grid Questions At DistribuTECH (via PR Newswire) MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Energy and utility experts from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) will speak and present in-booth demonstrations at the DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition, held Jan. 27-31 at the San Diego Convention Center in San More Info »..Read More
UC San Diego Receives $1.8 million for Microgrid Projects
SACRAMENTO — The California Energy Commission today approved funding to advance development of a pioneering microgrid and expand electric vehicle charging at the University of California, San Diego. “The return on this investment extends far beyond the San Diego campus,” said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “It provides a crucial real-life demonstration of technology that More Info »..Read More
US Briefs
72 SQUARE MILES OF PUBLIC LANDS TO RENEWABLES During Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar tenure, which ends in March, 1 more than 46,000 acres of what had been public lands were given to renewable energy. The controversial Ocotillo Express Wind Energy Facility was the only completed project. There are three more projects under construction (the Ivanpah, More Info »..Read More
Permaculture: January Permaculture Design Charrette
Sage Ladies hosted the January quarterly core meeting of San Diego Permaculture and facilitated a design charrette for their newly acquired farm land. Twelve Permies attended this MeetUp on a very cold Saturday in south Escondido. Some already had design experience and all wanted to talk about permaculture opportunities for this 8000 SF vacant lot. More Info »..Read More
The wind at Ocotillo
In case their are any doubts, the Imperial Valley Press carried a video of the controversial Ocotillo Wind Express’ turbines in action. The last 18 turbines will be installed next Spring. “The Ocotillo Wind project is a shining example of achieving local, state and national energy goals, while being the first renewable project to connect More Info »..Read More
Envision Solar teams up with Horizen Energy Group
Envision Solar and Horizon Energy Group Announce the Execution of a Strategic Teaming Agreement (via PR Newswire) The Companies join forces on Microgrid and Solar Projects SAN DIEGO, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Solar International, Inc. (EVSI), the leading designer and manufacturer of the highest quality solar shaded parking products, and Horizon Energy Group, a More Info »..Read More
Net Metering to provide over $92 million to California Ratepayers
Study: Solar ‘Net Metering’ To Provide Over $92 Million in Benefits to California Ratepayers, Electrical Grid (via PR Newswire) Despite Utility Opposition, Key Policy Drives Rapid Expansion of Rooftop Solar SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — A study released today by the Vote Solar Initiative finds that net-metered rooftop solar will provide more than $92 More Info »..Read More
Beeswax Tea Light Candles
The first beeswax candles I ever made were at my 12th birthday party. My mother bought sheets of coloured beeswax, softened them with a hairdryer and then we rolled them. If I remember correctly, we used something like shoelaces instead of proper wicks. Needless to say they didn’t burn very well, but it was fun More Info »..Read More
Community Meeting on Industrial Energy Projects in East County
(The article above was originally published in the January 17, 2013, edition of East County Magazine ) January 17, 2013 (Boulevard) – Two nonprofit groups, Protect Our Communities Foundation and Backcountry Against Dumps, will convene a community meeting Thursday, January 24, 2013 to inform residents about planned industrial conversation of Boulevard and surrounding areas. A dozen or More Info »..Read More
Pleasantly Piquant Horseradish: Popular in 2013
Horseradish is trending for 2013 and with good reason. This root has been a medicine and a food for centuries and now is trending partly because of a growing realization that food is therapy. So what makes a food trend and why does the unattractive, coarse, colorless lanky root make it on the list More Info »..Read More
Funding Green Initiatives for Contractors and Commercial Property Owners
San Diego’s rising real estate prices bode well for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing in 2013. New program launched to help commercial property owners improve property values, slash utility bills and create local jobs. SAN DIEGO, CA (PRWEB) January 18, 2013 – San Diego commercial property owners are gaining access to a unique financing option More Info »..Read More
The US Needs a Renewable Energy Policy
“The clean energy industry is gathering momentum around the world. Innovation and investment are helping to reduce the cost of solar, wind, and other emerging technologies. Countries and companies are working to harness the economic opportunity associated with these new products, and deployment of clean energy technologies is accelerating globally. In the United States, however, the More Info »..Read More
7 Surprising Benefits from Using Bee Pollen
Honeybees will travel up to about a 2 mile radius around their hive daily, covering over 8,500 acres to collect nectar and pollen. Not to mention their size proportion, travelling these distances will take them a considerable amount of time to go these distances while flapping their wings at a rate of 200 times per More Info »..Read More