The Dirtiest of the Dirty Power Plants
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Coal in your stocking: Guide details North American coal-burning emissions.
Christmas Bird Count and 25 More of the Best Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
From photographing bees to watching nesting birds, these citizen science projects connect people in fun, family-friendly efforts to understand the environment and benefit wildlife.
Will New Power Plant Air Pollution Rules Shut Out Your Lights?
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Are electricity reliability concerns about EPA air quality rules reliable?
The Record-Breaking 12 Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters of 2011
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
2011 has broken the record for the most billion-dollar weather disasters.
9 Tips To Keep Holiday Shopping Sane (and Green)
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
These tips will help you (and not marketers) stay in control of your shopping experience – and your budget.
The Most Fuel-Efficient 2012 Cars
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Whether you’re shopping for a cutting-edge electric car, a hybrid family sedan or a crossover SUV, you can find the most fuel-efficient vehicle option here.
Maybe Washington Should Pick Energy Winners
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Is your energy subsidy better than my energy subsidy?
Electric Car Parade
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Santa Monica, California drew the stars and cars early on Sunday, Oct. 16 to help celebrate National Plug In Day. The event, a joint effort between Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association, was held in 21 cities, with electric vehicle owners participating in parades, tailpipe-free tailgate parties, and other festive grassroots events. “It’s wonderful to see all these cars with plugs,” raved actor and eco-activist Ed Begley, Jr. at the Santa Monica parade. “I’ve had a Rav4 electric for ten years come February and [it has] 94,000 miles.”
Begley—joined by “Revenge of the Electric Car” producer Chris Paine, former “Baywatch” actress Alexandra Paul, model pitchman Fabio, Los Angeles Congresswoman Janice Hahn, and Air Force veteran Tim Goodrich—snapped photos and spoke to a crowd at Santa Monica’s city hall before sending 188 eco-friendly vehicles down the road.
“It was so quiet as we drove that we could talk to people along the route,” says parade participant Deb LaCusta, who steered her new bright blue Nissan LEAF alongside her husband, actor Dan Castellaneta (the voice of Homer on “The Simpsons”). “It was fun to be involved and get the message out.”
Iraq war vet Goodrich delivered an exceptionally poignant message. “While serving in the Middle East, I quickly realized that America’s involvement had a lot to do with our need for gas and fossil fuels.” Eventually Goodrich grew opposed to the war and returned to America after his tour to champion electric vehicles.
Not that driving electric makes for an easy cause. Critics are quick to point out the obstacles: they often lack power and run on expensive lithium batteries that only last for several years. Batteries need to be constantly recharged, and the cars aren’t great for long distances. “We talk about range anxiety and plugging in, and what happens to batteries,” admits producer Paine, “but what really changes people is the experience of driving an electric car.”
The Snobbish Wine Guest Switcheroo and Other Cheapskate Wine Tips
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
As you might have heard, it’s a controversial element the NCPP (“National Cheapskate Profiling Program“). Many, but not all, cheapskates like me love box wine.
In fact, I’m fond of “recanting”—as opposed to “decanting”—the wine I serve our dinner guests. “Recanting: Secretly funneling inexpensive box wines into empty, premium brand bottles kept on hand for the express purpose of impressing guests who care about such superficial stuff.”
I’ve done this for years, and no one has ever questioned the authenticity of the wine I serve. Not even wine snobs have enough confidence in their taste buds to question what the label on the fancy bottle is telling them. If you don’t believe me, this study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the California Institute of Technology essentially proved the same thing.
> Related: 8 Boxed Wines and Meals to Pair With Them
Not only is box wine a terrific value when it comes to saving money, but there’s more and more research showing that—compared to most bottled wines—it’s saving Mother Nature, too. According to the American Association of Wine Economists and other industry sources, boxed wine (a.k.a. “bag-in-box” packaging) decreases landfill waste by roughly 85 percent and is more than 50 percent more carbon efficient when compared to wine packaged in traditional glass bottles.
How to Preserve Family Farms, and Critical ‘Foodsheds’
December 26, 2011 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Just as watersheds provide drinking water for thirsty cities, “foodsheds” provide safe, secure food.
