29 posts tagged “environment”
A proposed lighting ordinance could help bring a rare “dark sky” designation to the upscale community. The measure would restrict the types of outdoor lights and the duration those lights could be left on.
The International Dark-Sky Association has named only two towns in the nation — Flagstaff, Ariz., and Borrego Springs, Calif. — “dark sky cities” for their efforts to reduce what the organization considers unnecessary outdoor lighting. Barrington Hills, IL — with a population of just under 4,000 — would like to be the first town east of the Mississippi River to be named a dark sky city.
Under debate is an ordinance that would limit the lumen output of lights in commercial and residential space; it also would curtail where those lights can be located. For example, no lights could be placed in tree branches or shrubs. And continuously operating most lights would be prohibited.
Once again, no mention of government street lights or taxpayer funded stadiums with excessive water usage or municipalites fining for people who have no garbage, or on and on and on...
I'm very concerned about planet earth. That is why I choose voluntary simplicity and frugality. I have also given environmentalists and politicians many practical ideas to reduce carbon emissions. It seems to be working ~ a nearby town (Merrillville, IN) will disconnect every other streetlight on the town's main thoroughfares. There are more than 1,600 street lights in Merrillville, and the town is paying more than $15,500 per month to power those lights. It is a win-win situation!
But I will no longer remain silent when phony environmentalists want to take away our freedoms and tax us to death. One outrageous example is in Canada. Ontario residents won’t be able to sell their houses or condos without first getting a home energy audit – which now costs about $300 – under the proposed new Green Energy Act.
Listen to this excerpt for all the proposed taxes to combat global warming! And if you still have doubts, check out all of my clipmarks which come from news sources and proposed legislation..
- Give yourself an energy audit
- See if solar power makes sense using this calculator
- Always buy energy star appliances
- Set your water heater to 125 degrees
- Buy low flow shower heads
- Try to shower in less time or shower with someone else :-))
- Fill a gallon milk jug with sand, put the top back on, and put it in your toilet tank (be sure it fits without covering the flap)
- Get yourself a twin draft guard for your drafty doors
- Unplug all appliances that are not being used, including cell phone chargers
- Set up a passive solar system to increase heat transfer in any room. Just paint about a dozen bricks black, then put them in a bay window or anywhere that gets direct sunlight. Use aluminum foil underneath the bricks to really heat them up!
- If you are building a new home, consider earth sheltering. For more info, go to this blog and get building plans here
- Buy a solar powered battery charger
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When it comes to your utility bill, it is almost always better to pay as you go. Here is a recent analysis:
I save $125 a year just paying what I actually owe. Yes, you get the difference back, but you made an interest free loan to your utility company. Take a look at how much forgone interest costs in the long run!
- Repair leaks in your sinks and toilets
- Install a rain barrel to catch water for your garden
- Plant native plants that require little watering
- Water you lawn only during early morning or evening hours
- Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave
