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Simple things you can do to reduce your environmental footprint

November 6, 2012 By

submitted by Mark Bortman, Exact Solar, mark@exactsolar.com

Hey you! You with the turkey!

Yeah, it’s that time of year. Time to take a step back and think about the things for which we should be thankful but which we usually take for granted.

Let’s face it – the impact that people have had on the natural environment is huge and getting bigger. This impact has been growing ever faster over the past 50 years as population growth and consumption levels have accelerated.

If this continues, the ability of the natural resources to be able to fulfill the demand will eventually be overrun. The clean water that sustains life, the clean air that vital for health, the diversity of plants and animals throughout our ecosystems are important elements that we should be thankful for.

Unfortunately, too many of us don’t think about them – we just assume that they will always be there.

Many natural resources are finite. Once they are used up or ruined, they are gone forever. It may not happen in our lifetimes, but if the rate of change that we’ve seen recently continues, it may well happen in our children’s or grandchildren’s lifetime.

Although people may think that they can’t make a difference, that is not the case. Just as one raindrop is not responsible for the flood, a flood of small actions will bring about big results.

Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to reduce your environmental footprint and live more sustainably:

  • Increase your insulation;
  • Turn down your heat;
  • Think about what you buy and whether you really need it;
  • Compost;
  • Re-use what you can;
  • Carpool;
  • Plant native plants in landscaping;
  • Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper;
  • Install low-flow showerheads;
  • Refill water bottles;
  • Keep tires inflated, car tuned-up.

If everyone does his part, we’ll be sure to have our natural resources for many generations and that is something to be thankful for.

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Filed Under: Going Green, Yardley Voice Columnists Tagged With: , , , , ,

Silver Lake Nature Center’s fully sustainable, carbon-zero building project update

October 22, 2012 By

Silver Lake Nature Center’s “Biotecture Structure” based on architect Michael Reynolds’ Earthship designs is coming along wonderfully, thanks to all of the volunteers and supporters (individuals, groups, and businesses) who have been helping to make this happen!

This fully sustainable, carbon-zero building is being built with recycled products, will be able to heat and cool itself, gather its own water, recycle its own waste, and produce its own food. It will also be the first public use building of its kind on the East Coast – right here in Bucks County, at Silver Lake Nature Center!

So far, volunteers (including individuals, unions, groups, and businesses), have installed the silt fencing designating the construction area, prepared the ground surrounding the structure, started a handicapped accessible path to the building, installed temporary electric for the workers, finished the formwork, installed sleeves for plumbing, poured concrete for the foundation, completed building 7.5 (of the nine required) rows of the tire walls, and are building a berm.

Building the tire walls is not an easy task. Each tire gets filled with dirt, then pounded with a sledge hammer so that more dirt can be added, then pounded again until they are full – weighing about 300 pounds each. Once they have finished “pounding” the nine rows of tire walls, they will begin the next phase, which will include building a roof and installing the glass walls.

If you would like to contribute to this project (physically, financially, and/or both), contact the Project Coordinator, Lorraine Skala, at 215-785-1177 or llskala@co.bucks.pa.us to find out how. The project is now moving along quickly.

You can visit www.silverlakenaturecenter.org at their Building Project link for updates/information.

For additional information on Biotecture Structures, visit www.earthship.com.

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Great coffee – heated by the sun!

October 9, 2012 By

submitted by Mark Bortman, Exact Solar, mark@exactsolar.com

How would you like to have your cup of coffee made with water that has been heated by the sun? Well, at the Green Line Café in Philadelphia, that is just what you get.

According to owner Dan Thut, “Our solar water heating system is a great way for us to show that we are good neighbors. By not burning fossil fuels, we are helping our environment. In addition, it is saving us money.”

When people hear “solar energy,” they usually think about the solar panels that generate electricity. These are called photovoltaics or PV. You’ve probably seen these popping up in fields, on roofs and even on telephone poles in New Jersey.

Solar water heating systems, however, use a completely different technology to capture the sun’s heat. These systems are called solar thermal systems and they use the energy from the sun for heating water and space heating.

Around the world, solar thermal systems are much more common than photovoltaics. They are relatively low cost and are very efficient at converting the sun’s energy into heat that we can use.

Back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, there was a big push for solar thermal systems in this country. There was even a solar water heating system installed on the White House!

Many of those systems are still in place in our area, are still generating lots of hot water and saving money.

Think of all the places you use hot water. Certainly you use it at home for showers, dishwashing and laundry.

In addition, many businesses and other places need hot water as well – hospitals, restaurants, health clubs, hotels, laundromats, even prisons.  All of these places would be great locations for solar water heating.

Demand for solar water heaters is increasing as PECO rates and oil prices rise. The addition of a rebate (good until the end of the year) and a federal tax credit and the cost of a system is reduced by an incredible 50%.

Many people don’t realize it, but water heating typically accounts for 15-25% of your overall utility bill. With a relatively small upfront investment, you can reduce your utility bill and help the environment.

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Morrisville Borough’s Energy Efficiency Initiative

October 9, 2012 By

by June Portnoy

About 1½ years ago, Morrisville Borough installed 10 energy LED street lights along Doloro Drive. This was a pilot program initiated by Morrisville Borough Councilman David T. Rivella who wanted to upgrade the borough’s streetlights.

Thanks to his efforts, he was able to get the borough a grant with the help of State Representative John Galloway to execute this program. However, Councilman Rivella’s overall goal was to install these LED street lights throughout the entire Borough.

Borough Manager, Tom Bates, began investigating this possibility by contacting Stouch Lighting for information and prices. Stouch suggested that Morrisville Borough contact Johnson Controls to conduct a Borough-wide energy study.

Borough Council agreed that this was a worthwhile idea, and therefore contracted Johnson Controls, a global diversified company, to complete this study.

One of Johnson Controls’ many functions is to create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings. During its study, Johnson Controls reviewed the Borough’s electric and gas bills and looked over different systems being used within the Borough in order to make suggestions.

Some of their ideas were to update old deficient systems to save residents some money on their taxes.

“The LED Street Lighting Project became a much larger project to now include such possibilities as a new boiler and air handling unit, new controls (building energy automation), weather stripping upgrades, building lighting, traffic signals and new windows, and the list goes on,” says Councilman Rivella. “One of the great things about this program is the amount of money the Borough will save on our utility bills that will cover the cost of these upgrades.”

Also, the Borough discovered that it would no longer need to spend $25,000 to maintain its 420 streetlights since the new LED lights will be guaranteed for 30 years.

“LED lights are not like traditional light bulbs that burn out and need to be replaced every two years,” adds Councilman Rivella.

Also, LED lights use only a fraction of the electricity that light bulbs use.

“Therefore, the money we will save on the utility bills will cover the new LED lights,” says Councilman Rivella.

Johnson Controls actually guarantees the savings they estimate for the Borough in writing and if the savings are less than projected, they will pay the Borough the difference. The preliminary estimate is a $40,000 a year savings.

This will yield $750,000 over 15 years, so in 15 years, it is projected that the project will be paid off with the savings it receives. The 15-year payback will be from all the upgrades completed in the Borough, including the LED lights.

“I am very excited about bringing this Green Project to the Borough,” says Councilman Rivella. “This will not only save our taxpayers money, but will offer them new equipment, while also giving our Borough the opportunity to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The Borough is currently in Phase II of this project, which includes Johnson Controls conducting a more in-depth study to make more specific recommendations on cost-saving ideas and efficient equipment.

“Now that we are in Phase II, I don’t believe we will see any big changes made to this project,” says Councilman Rivella. “Johnson Controls is currently fine-tuning the details, such as determining which items the Borough should install, but the basic idea will remain the same.

“I feel confident that Borough Council will agree to make at least some of the upgrades suggested by Johnson Controls,” says Councilman Rivella. “We have received a lot of positive support from our residents about what I believe to be a worthwhile and overdue project.”

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Filed Under: Morrisville Times News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Employee Garden helps Philabundance, Aid for Friends

October 9, 2012 By

As a part of its “Going Green” initiative, American Heritage Federal Credit Union’s Green Team recently worked with staff members to establish Employee Gardens on the grounds of the credit union.

And to not only help the planet but the local community as well, the vegetables these dedicated employees grew were actually sold back to employees in the credit union lunch rooms with all proceeds going to Philabundance and Aid for Friends.

American Heritage’s gardens also took part in two different contests, the “Best Employee Garden” and the “Best Scarecrow Contest.” Guest judges visited the gardens on August 14th and 15th and selected the winners.

The criteria for Best Garden Judging was based on overall maintenance of the garden, variety of plants, use of color, and use of space. The criteria for Best Scarecrow was based on overall creativity and appearance.

Congratulations to the Call Center and New Britain Office for winning “Best Employee Garden” and to First Heritage LLC, the Human Resources/Training Department and the Horsham Office for winning “Best Scarecrow.”

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Filed Under: Going Green, Langhorne Ledger News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Saving energy is key to saving money

September 15, 2012 By

submitted by Mark Bortman, Exact Solar, mark@exactsolar.com

It is often said that death and taxes are the only unavoidable things in life. I’d like to add paying your PECO bill to that list.

As an installer of solar energy systems, I often get calls from homeowners and business owners with the same plea, “I want to eliminate my PECO bill!”

While solar energy certainly is an excellent way to reduce your electric, natural gas and oil costs, it is important to incorporate it into a plan that looks at the building overall.

When we first visit a potential customer, in addition to using the sun’s energy, we often find there are many additional, simple steps we can take that will reduce energy use.

As part of this month’s Home and Garden theme, let’s take a look at a few common places in the home where energy can be saved.

Think of how you get into your attic. Most houses either have a hatch (a small hole in the ceiling, usually in the back of a closet) or a set of pull down stairs.

If this access way does not close as airtight as your front door, you are throwing money away! It is the equivalent of having a window open to your attic … all year long.

Just by air-sealing the hatch or stairs, you can increase your comfort and reduce your heating and cooling costs. Any other holes you have in your ceiling – recessed lights, ceiling fans, and bathroom vent fans for example – are all other places where the air in your house could be escaping to the attic.

These small holes add up! This means higher costs for air-conditioning in the summer and for heating in the winter. Fortunately, it is relatively quick and easy to seal these escape routes (note that for recessed lights, the right materials need to be used to avoid overheating).

Now let’s head to the basement. Take a look at the band joist – this is where the house sits on the foundation. New homes might have fiberglass insulation stuffed into this space while older homes have nothing at all.

This is a common location for outside air to infiltrate into your home. Insulation does not stop airflow – this is why air-sealing is important.

While we’re in the basement, take a look at your water heater. Are the hot water pipes insulated? Is the thermostat set to 120 degrees?

There are many opportunities to save energy (and money) in other parts of your house, too – thermostats, light bulbs, insulation and more.

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Filed Under: Spring Home & Garden 3 and Graduation, Yardley Voice Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,

Silver Lake Nature Center’s fully sustainable, carbon-zero building project

September 14, 2012 By

Silver Lake Nature Center’s “Biotecture Structure,” based on architect Michael Reynolds’ Earthship designs, is coming to fruition, thanks to all of the volunteers and supporters who have been helping to make it happen.

This fully sustainable, carbon-zero building will be built with recycled products, be able to heat and cool itself, gather its own water, recycle its own waste, and produce its own food. It will also be the first public use building of its kind on the East Coast – right here in Bucks County!

The building is being constructed on the former site of the Nature Center’s Pond Shed. The Pond Shed was an old garage that was renovated into a classroom back in 1984 when the Visitor Center Building was in the current Intern Cottage.

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Going Green, Home Tagged With: , , , ,

Solar energy going global

July 31, 2012 By

submitted by Mark Bortman, Exact Solar, mark@exactsolar.com

Sustainability, return on investment, energy independence and reduction of greenhouse gases are all great benefits of solar energy. Here, in Bucks County, we have the luxury of being able to think about such long-range issues.

Many people around the world have more immediate needs.

Imagine living in a hut where the only source of light is a kerosene lantern.  Imagine having to spend several hours each day foraging for firewood. Solar energy helps to solve these problems, too.

In Africa and other parts of the world, billions of people live without electricity. When the sun goes down, their only source of light is kerosene lamps.  Unfortunately, accidents with these lamps burn down homes and schools.  The burning kerosene causes thick, black smoke – indoor air pollution kills more people than malaria.

Worst of all, the kerosene is expensive. 

Small, inexpensive solar panels combined with efficient light bulbs can easily and effectively solve these problems. Enter Solar-Aid (www.solar-aid.org).

This organization has an audacious goal – they aim to eradicate kerosene lanterns from Africa by the end of the decade. Using the power of the sun, they give people a boost out of poverty and an improved standard of living.

On another front, it is estimated that half of the world’s population uses an open fire as their primary source of energy for cooking. This means lots of hard (and dangerous) work scavenging for wood, dung, coal or charcoal as well as respiratory diseases (not to mention deforestation, loss of wildlife habitat and global dimming – all problems that take a back seat to getting food for your family).

Harnessing the power of the sun with a solar cooker provides an immediate, inexpensive solution. As with the solar lights, the benefits of solar cookers include health as well as economics. As it says on the Solar Cookers International website (www.solarcookers.org), “solar cooking is more than a choice – it is a blessing.”

It is relief from having to walk miles to collect wood or spend much of a meager income on fuel. It is relief from smoky cooking fires that irritate eyes and lungs.

We in the United States count on solar energy to combat climate change and protect against rising energy prices in the future. In addition, people around the world are counting on solar energy’s clean, affordable means of lighting and cooking to provide immediate and tangible relief to their most pressing problems.

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Musings of an obsessive recycler

July 16, 2012 By

submitted by Jeanne Bray

I have always loved to recycle and, with the single stream and expanded recycling we have in Lower Makefield now, I can indulge my love of recycling more than ever.

I was particularly proud the first time our recycling bin was full and our trash bin contained only one small, grocery store sized bag (we compost so we have very little food that goes into the trash can.) What could be better than recycling a bin full of stuff?

Then my daughter, who has worked in the alternative energy field her entire career, reminded me of the downside of recycling. Certainly it is better to recycle something than throw it in the trash; however, what is far and away a better alternative is to reduce consumption so that there is less in both bins.

Take plastic bags as an example; some 300 billion plastic bags are used in the US alone every year and only about 5.2% are recycled.

That means that 95% of these bags, many used only once to carry a small item home from the store, end up in landfills for hundreds of years, or streams and rivers, where they never fully degrade, but do kill marine animals and pollute the water, or on the side of the road.

However, if every one of those plastic bags was recycled, that would create a different set of problems, such as the intensive use of non-renewable resources used to make them into something else, and the fact that the US market for recycled plastic bags is limited, so many are wastefully shipped to overseas processing facilities.  And even financially, it doesn’t always make sense.  It costs $4,000 to process and recycle a ton of plastic bags, which can then be sold on the commodities market for $32.

When the economy tanked in 2008, many plastic processors went out of business, leaving a worldwide glut of this material.

So, if we absolutely must take a plastic bag, the best thing to do is to reuse or recycle it, but how much better would it be if we didn’t take a plastic bag every time we go to the grocery store or the department store or the drug store? It is easy and convenient to have the cashier put that tube of toothpaste or bag of candy or magazine in a bag but is it really necessary? Perhaps you could just carry that item if you are going right to the car, or stick it in your purse or your pocket, or make sure you have a reusable bag every time you go to any store.

And, of course, the grocery store is where you see carts full of plastic bags, and/or plastic bags inside paper bags and/or two plastic bags together to add strength.

Rather than wasting all those bags, why not just have a supply of the attractive, strong, reusable bags that are so available now, many for only $1 and many that are folded up so they can be tucked in your pocket or your purse.

Letting the cashier put our items in bags is just how we have done things, and at times it’s necessary, but I have found that since my daughter raised my awareness, I almost never need a plastic bag, and, when I do take one, it is not out of habit, but only because I have made a conscious decision to do so.

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Solar panels – Cheaper than PECO

June 28, 2012 By

submitted by Mark Bortman, Exact Solar, mark@exactsolar.com

The other day, I almost fell off my chair! I was leafing through the newspaper and noticed an ad for a big flat-screen TV.  I couldn’t believe how low the prices have become. 

A few years ago, I really wanted one – they were new and cool and flashy and a must-have for anyone who likes to be on the cutting edge of technology. But, boy, were they expensive. What a difference a few years makes.

Not surprisingly, I get a similar reaction when I talk about solar panels.

Usually the conversation starts with “I thought about solar panels a few years ago” or “I have a friend who got solar panels a few years ago.”  The key phrase is, of course, “a few years ago.”

As with many new technologies, a lot can change in just a few years. For example, a solar electric system that cost over $35,000 a few years ago would cost around $10,000 today.

Back then I never imagined that I’d be saying this – but now the cost for electricity produced by solar panels is less than what you pay PECO.  With a solar lease, you can lock in a rate that is about half of what you’re paying PECO.

In 2008, there were about 200 solar electric systems in the whole state of Pennsylvania. Now there are more than 4000. This increase in scale in Pennsylvania, along with the corresponding increases in other parts of the country and the world, has helped to gain economies and bring down the price.

Despite the growth in solar, there is still a long way to go.

Solar panels produce just a tiny fraction of the electricity we use. Most of the electricity in our state comes from burning coal, which means removing mountaintops and sending thousands of tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air.

This does not need to be the case – one day last month, solar provided 50% of the electricity used in Germany.

With solar panels less expensive than ever, it is an option to consider.  As I like to say, solar makes sense – it makes sense for the environment and it makes sense for your bank account.

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