I agree, Jeff. It's nice to see so much interest in this topic.
> In addition lets not forget that solar cells don't grow on trees, we all
> know. I see several have already followed up on the sticky issue of
> embodied energy to required to manufacture solar technology.
I recent "fact" I ran into, and have no proof of, said that if half of the
surface area of the US was covered with solar panels, it would produce only
40% of the energy we use! If this is anywhere near correct it says a lot.
Creating power is not the problem; conserving it is. I also have a
philosophical problem with commandeering half of the surface of the US.
Since we live on a good portion and use (agriculture, etc.) a lot more.
Even if it could all fit (roof tops, etc.), what's left for other species?
> Yep, this scares me, alot. Of course while it is problematic to *prove*
> that recent climate changes are directly due to human activity, we sure
> can't just keep ignorning the fact that month after month, year after
> year the planet's climate is setting records in terms of temperature.
> And this is due to mere natural fluctuations, as popular media outlets
> would have us believe. I think I read recently that this past October
> and November of 99 were the warmest back to back months ever recorded...
> Yikes!
We hit 78 degrees last Sunday! The last couple days have been almost as
warm. But then again, last winter was especial cold, so I'm not
complaining : )
> Merely "switching" to
> efficient appliances, is not that easy or economically feasible for all
> but a very few of society. I disagree that forking over $2800 for a
> super efficient refrigerator is anything but "even simpler", as you
> suggest.
We have been enjoying our Vestfrost refrigerator. It was about $800, since
we got it on sale. That's not much different from many refrigerators on
the market. Considering the way many spend money on some things, it's hard
to make an argument for not affording some of these appliances unless you
can't afford to buy a new appliance of any kind. It's a matter of choices.
We make very little money, but still wanted to have energy efficient
appliances. We just bought a front loading washer ($150 off with rebates)
and find ourselves continually explaining why we don't want a clothes dryer.
On a similar note, I am always intrigued when I meet someone here in the US
who does not have a refrigerator. Somehow this strikes a chord deep inside
. . . that part of me ready to take a large leap into a truly sustainable
lifestyle? Anyhow, I am always amazed when I think about what is in our
refrigerator; most of it does not need to be refrigerated or could be
avoided with better planning or minimal effort. I guess it's mostly what
you get used to.
Eric Storm
