Four Seasons of Green

Too much of a good thing, is never a good thing.

If we have too much sun we get drought, too much rain we get floods. Too many babies we get over-population. Too many cars we get pollution. But what about with respect to green and sustainable energy? We generally assume that green and sustainable energy is a positive and eco-friendly choice. Is this still true if we consider global acceptance of wind energy, solar energy, geothermal... Are there detrimental consequences to large scale 'green energy' productions.

In a recent article I came across research suggested that implementing wind farms on a global scale may alter the temperature by interfering with wind activity. (Read article click here), which brings up the whole concept of excess again. Finding balance is a difficult thing to do. I say this as an adult with ADHD. Either I am too hyper-focused, or not focused enough. Have too much energy, or am completely disinterested. Full blast or stop. But what I have found to be my greatest coping mechanism is... meditation practice everyday. The 'everyday' part is key. By settling during my practice every day I find it much easier to find my own balance. Maybe we need a global meditation to slow-down consumption, mass production and the eco-panic so many of us experience.

As I contemplated the issue of excess, specifically related to green energy I reflected on the ecosystem both in the world around us and within our own bodies. In nature there is a delicate balance that keeps the animals, plants and microbes all working together in a sustainable fashion.  There is just enough of everything to keep the system flowing. This is not to say that change does not happen. We have all been born and we will all die. And in our death provide life for a host of other living organisms. It is in this change, that the ecosystem flourishes. Even a rock changes over time, albeit slowly, it still changes, and with that weathered change the flow of water or wind may change cause an entire series of changes... but that is another story...

Within our bodies our there is a bundle of cells called the sinoatrial node. This node has a very special job... to set the rhythm of the heart. However, there are a couple of fail-safes installed so that if our natural pacemaker stops working, other areas of the heart will take over to set the pace of our heart. (Read more here) My point is that nature has an integrated system that has been developed over millions of years using sun, wind, water, and elements of the Earth. When one of these systems is unavailable, another system kicks in. Perhaps we should take the hint.

The high demand for electricity comes from the way we design our homes and lifestyles. CAUTION: these two things may have to be altered. I am not suggesting we give up all our comforts and live in sheds. What I am saying is it is every individual's responsibility to assess what their personal and family needs are. Do we really need that third flat screen tv? Is it necessary for a 2 person family to live in a 5 bedroom home with 6 vehicles? How many screens need to be running at a time? In previous blogs I have mentions many small things we can do to alter the amount of electricity we use... for example electrical power bars with an off switch to ensure phantom energy isn't being used. If each of us considers what we really need, we can also consider a variety of ways to fuel these needs using integrated approaches to electricity, heating, cooling, even eating. 

There are assistance packages and grants available to retrofit your home in order to make it more energy efficient, which reduces the load that the electric companies need to supply. This reduces pollution and extraction of non-renewable resources, and the use of toxic agents for electricity (nuclear power).Grants and education programs are offered to add photovoltaic panels, solar hot water heaters, or special flush toilets to your home. Home depot will help you install an entire solar panel system that you can run your house off of and sell back to the electric company. Here is a short video about a woman who has been retrofitting her home and using her property to grow her own food. She acknowledges it can't all be done at once, but we can certainly do something at once... what will your something be?

In New York the Waterpod Project offers urbanites an opportunity to learn and experience sustainable living, urban gardening and green energy. In Ontario the Kortright Centre, Windfall Ecology Centre and Green Venture offer energy audits, sustainable education/training (including how to build straw-bale houses, install solar panels, and wind energy ) as well as a variety of eco-resources.  For 'do-it-yourselfers' youtube has a series on building green, learn how to retrofit or build from scratch with Building Green TV. If you are looking to buy a home maybe you would consider a prefab eco-home. Here are a couple of links to get you started...

Retrofitting, or building new homes can be expensive, so what can you do to reduce your carbon footprint and dependency on fossil fuels. Create a garden. No matter how small or large a garden makes a difference. Urban farmers are growing organic produce in their small yards, some enough to sell to local restaurants.  Here is one family that has done just that...